A discontinuous series is a sequence of numbers or elements that does not follow a consistent pattern or interval. In this type of series, the differences between consecutive terms can vary significantly, making it difficult to predict the next term based on previous ones. For example, the series 1, 3, 7, 12, 20 shows irregular gaps between numbers. Discontinuous series can be found in various fields, including mathematics and statistics. They are often used to represent data that does not change uniformly, such as population growth or stock market prices. Understanding these series helps in analyzing trends and making informed decisions.