Odd-man-out (faulty term) – Fibonacci-like addition pattern: 7, 9, 16, 25, 41, 68, 107, 173, ? — Identify the term that breaks the rule among the options.

Introduction / Context:
The sequence is intended to follow a Fibonacci-like rule: each term equals the sum of the previous two. A single incorrect (faulty) term has been inserted. We must identify it from the choices.

Pattern Check:

• 7, 9, 16 (7 + 9 = 16) ✔
• 9, 16, 25 (9 + 16 = 25) ✔
• 16, 25, 41 (16 + 25 = 41) ✔
• 25, 41, <should be 66> but the sequence shows 68 ✖
• Continuing with the corrected 66: 41 + 66 = 107 ✔; 66 + 107 = 173 ✔

Step-by-Step Conclusion:
The only violation is at the 68; it should have been 66 to preserve the “sum of the previous two” rule.

Verification / Alternative check:
All other adjacent sums hold exactly when 68 is replaced by 66.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
16, 25, 41, 107 all satisfy the recurrence with their neighbors; only 68 contradicts it.

Common Pitfalls:
Attempting to fit variable additions; the simple two-term sum explains all but the single faulty entry.

Final Answer:
68