Directions: Find the wrong number in the series. 40960, 10240, 2560, 640, 200, 40, 10
Aptitude
Odd Man Out and Series
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
-
A640
-
B40
-
C200
-
D2560
-
E10240
Answer
Correct Answer: 200
Explanation
### Concept & Logic
The sequence features rapidly decreasing large numbers, suggesting a pattern of division by a constant factor. Let's test the ratio between terms.
### Step-by-Step Solution
1. Start from either end. The smaller numbers at the end are easier to work with. Let's look at $40$ and $10$:
- $40 / 4 = 10$.
2. Now test this "divide by 4" hypothesis from the beginning:
- $40960 / 4 = 10240$
- $10240 / 4 = 2560$
- $2560 / 4 = 640$
- $640 / 4 = 160$ (The given sequence has 200 here, so 200 is incorrect).
3. Verify the rest of the sequence with the corrected number:
- $160 / 4 = 40$. This matches the next number in the given series.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
When dealing with large numbers, don't start calculating from the left if it's difficult. Look at the right side of a decreasing sequence. The ratio between $40$ and $10$ immediately gives away the rule (divide by $4$), which you can then quickly verify.
### Common Pitfall
Attempting long division on $40960$ manually when you could just look at the last two terms to deduce the probable pattern.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **200**.