Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 9
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
We seek a neat, alternating multiplier/divisor pattern and then detect the unique violation in the sequence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Compute consecutive ratios to test the alternating rule: 108→54 (×0.5), 54→36 (×2/3), 36→18 (×0.5), next should be 18×(2/3)=12, and so on.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Directly applying the discovered alternation, only the term at the 5th position should be 12; therefore 9 is the inconsistent value.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
54, 36, 18 match the alternation before the error; the final terms often look close but are consequences of carrying the wrong intermediate value.
Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking a propagated downstream drift for the original error; always fix the first mismatch.
Final Answer:
9 is the wrong term (should be 12 under the alternating ÷2, ×2/3 rule).
Discussion & Comments