Find the number that should come next: 2, 5, 14, 41, 122, ?

Explanation

1. 01

   Test $\times 3$: $2 \times 3 = 6$, but the next term is 5, one less.

2. 02

   So the rule is $\times 3 - 1$: $5 \times 3 - 1 = 14$, $14 \times 3 - 1 = 41$, $41 \times 3 - 1 = 122$.

3. 03

   Next term $= 122 \times 3 - 1 = 365$.