Number series (find the wrong term): 6, 12, 48, 100, 384, 768, 3072 One term violates a simple alternating multiplication pattern. Identify the wrong term and explain.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Alternating multipliers (e.g., *2, *4, *2, *4, …) generate many exam sequences. Here we will test whether such a pattern holds and isolate the single inconsistent value.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series: 6, 12, 48, 100, 384, 768, 3072
  • Exactly one term is wrong.


Concept / Approach:
Try the pattern “multiply by 2, then multiply by 4,” repeating. Check each step consecutively.



Step-by-Step Solution:
6 → 12: *2 ✔12 → 48: *4 ✔48 → 100: should be *2 = 96, but the term is 100 ✖From 48 (corrected to 96), the pattern continues: 96 → 384 (*4) ✔384 → 768: *2 ✔; 768 → 3072: *4 ✔



Verification / Alternative check:
Using 96 instead of 100 restores the exact alternating *2, *4 pattern across the entire sequence.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 12, 48, 384, 768: These align with the *2, *4 alternation.
  • 100: The only term that does not fit; it should have been 96.


Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring simple alternation. Always check for repeating multipliers before trying more complex transforms.



Final Answer:
100

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