Prepswift - Consecutive Numbers I quiz

GRE GRE Quant Problem Solving
1

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The solution for the question says to assume a = 1 and b = 2, which makes the sequence 4 and 5. Further in the solution, it says the third term in the sequence is 6 (4, 5, 6), which makes c = 9, and therefore the answer is 8.
My question is, why is the third term for the sequence assumed to be 6, when it can be 3 ( 3, 4, 5), making c = 6 ? Why can’t the answer be c - a = 5?
Is there a condition I am missing? Are the numbers always written in ascending order in the question?

Thank you for the help in advance!

2

How? And yes, if x, y and z are three consecutive integers, then x < y < z.

3

When I assume c = 6, c - 3 = 3, making the sequence 3, 4, 5.

But understood! When question states consecutive numbers, it will implicitly mean ascending order.

Thank You!