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
  • A
    1
  • B
    2
  • C
    24
  • D
    384

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**.
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