Number series – find the wrong term (identify the outlier) Series: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 96
Verbal Reasoning
Series Completion
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A4
-
B32
-
C64
-
D96
-
E16
Answer
Correct Answer: 96
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This is a powers-of-two recognition task. The series should follow a simple doubling pattern; one term does not.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Series: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 96.
- Exactly one term is wrong.
Concept / Approach:Check if each term is double the previous one. Powers of two proceed as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, …
Step-by-Step Solution:
From 1 onward: ×2 gives 2 ✔, ×2 gives 4 ✔, ×2 gives 8 ✔, ×2 gives 16 ✔, ×2 gives 32 ✔, ×2 gives 64 ✔.The next should be 64×2 = 128, not 96. Therefore 96 is the outlier.Verification / Alternative check:In a pure doubling progression, any deviation breaks the exact ratio of 2. Only 96 violates this principle.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 4, 16, 32, 64 are all honest powers of two placed correctly.
Common Pitfalls:Misreading 96 as 128; overlooking that every consecutive ratio must be exactly 2 for a powers-of-two run.
Final Answer:96