1728, 1385, 1169, 1044, 980, _____

Step 1: Find the differences between consecutive terms

1728 − 1385 = 343

1385 − 1169 = 216

1169 − 1044 = 125

1044 − 980 = 64

So the differences are: 343, 216, 125, 64

Step 2: Observe a pattern in the differences

Notice these numbers are perfect cubes:

343 = 7³

216 = 6³

125 = 5³

64 = 4³

So the differences are decreasing cubes: 7³, 6³, 5³, 4³

Step 3: Find the next difference

Following the pattern, the next difference should be: 3³ = 27

Step 4: Find the next term

Subtract 27 from the last number in the sequence:
980 − 27 = 953

Answer: 953

The sequence decreases by consecutive cubes: 7³, 6³, 5³, 4³, 3³…