This is a simple division series. Each number is divided by 5. Rule = (1st number / 5 = 2nd number) (2nd number / 5 = 3rd number)....Now, (1000 / 5 = 200), (200 / 5 = 40), (40 / 5 = 8)...So answer is a = 8.
Let the four numbers be x, x + 2, x + 4 and x + 6.=> x + x + 2 + x + 4 + x + 6 = 36=> 4x + 12 = 36 => x = 6The numbers are 6, 8, 10 and 12.Sum of their squares = 62 + 82 + 102 + 122 = 36 + 64 + 100 + 144 = 344.