Directions: Find out the wrong number in each sequence 46080, 3840, 384, 48, 24, 2, 1
Aptitude
Odd Man Out and Series
Difficulty: Hard
Choose an option
-
A1
-
B2
-
C24
-
D384
Answer
Correct Answer: 24
Explanation
### Concept & Decreasing Divisors
In this sequence, each subsequent term is generated by dividing the previous term by an evenly decreasing even integer.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Find the quotient of consecutive terms to identify the pattern of division:
- $46080 \div 3840 = 12$
- $3840 \div 384 = 10$
- $384 \div 48 = 8$
2. The divisors are forming a clear sequence of decreasing even numbers: $\div 12, \div 10, \div 8$.
3. The next logical divisor must be $\div 6$.
4. Calculate the expected term: $48 \div 6 = 8$.
5. The sequence provides $24$ instead of $8$.
6. Let's verify if $8$ corrects the rest of the series. The next divisor should be $\div 4$, and then $\div 2$:
- $8 \div 4 = 2$ (Matches the sequence)
- $2 \div 2 = 1$ (Matches the sequence)
7. Since substituting $8$ repairs the entire sequence, $24$ is incorrect.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
When numbers drop off sharply from tens of thousands down to single digits, division is the only logical operation. Start from the right (smaller numbers) if it's easier: $1 \times 2 = 2$; $2 \times 4 = 8$; $8 \times 6 = 48$... this reveals $24$ as an error almost instantly.
### Common Pitfall
Starting the math from left to right can be mentally taxing ($46080 \div 3840$). Working backwards (multiplying) is much faster and less prone to calculation errors.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **24**.