Which of the following number will replace the question mark (?) and complete the given number series?

3, 6, 8, 16, 18, 36, ?

Given: 3, 6, 8, 16, 18, 36, ?​

3 $$\times$$​ 2 = 6
6 + 2 = 8
8 $$\times$$​ 2 = 16
16 + 2 = 18
18 $$\times$$​ 2 = 36
Following this pattern, the next number should be:
36 + 2 = 38

Thus, correct option is (a).