Correct Answer: 216

Solution : Given:
3, 8, 5, 27, 8, 64, 12, 125, 17, ?

The series follows an alternative pattern, where every other number, starting from the first, is obtained by adding consecutive numbers in each previous term to get the next term. On the other hand, every other number, starting from the second, is obtained by cubing consecutive positive integers.
First alternate series –
3; 3 + 2 = 5; 5 + 3 = 8; 8 + 4 = 12; 12 + 5 = 17
Second alternate series –
(2) ³ = 8; (3) ³ = 27; (4 ) ³ = 64; (5 ) ³ = 125; (6 ) ³ = 216

The missing number is 216. Hence, the first option is correct.