1. The problem states that the terms in the sequence increase by the same amount each time, meaning it is an arithmetic sequence. 2. The given terms are 12, ___, 26, ... and we need to find the missing term. 3. In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. Let this common difference be $d$. 4. The first term is $a_1 = 12$. 5. The third term is $a_3 = 26$. 6. The formula for the $n$th term of an arithmetic sequence is $$a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d$$ 7. Using the formula for the third term: $$a_3 = a_1 + 2d$$ 8. Substitute the known values: $$26 = 12 + 2d$$ 9. Solve for $d$: $$2d = 26 - 12 = 14$$ $$d = 7$$ 10. Now find the second term $a_2$: $$a_2 = a_1 + d = 12 + 7 = 19$$ The missing term in the sequence is **19**.