In this number series classification question, find the odd number out from the series: 8, 18, 56, 232, 1165.

Introduction / Context:
This problem asks you to identify the term that does not fit the rule governing the number series 8, 18, 56, 232, 1165. Instead of completing the series, you must detect which term disrupts the logical pattern. This is a common style of odd man out question in aptitude tests.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 8, 18, 56, 232, 1165
• Exactly one term is inconsistent with the intended pattern.
• The other terms should follow a relatively simple rule.

Concept / Approach:
We suspect a recursive rule where each term is generated from the preceding term using multiplication and a small addition. By testing terms pairwise, we can approximate the intended pattern and then see which value does not fit. If three or four terms follow a neat rule and one breaks it, that breaker is the odd one out.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine 8 and 18.Take 8, multiply by 2 and add 2: 8 * 2 + 2 = 18. This fits.Step 2: Examine 18 and 56.18 * 3 + 2 = 54 + 2 = 56. This also fits a pattern of multiplying by increasing integers and adding 2.Step 3: If we continue the same logic, the next term should be 56 * 4 + 2 = 224 + 2 = 226, not 232.Step 4: Using 226 as the logical next term, the following one would be 226 * 5 + 2 = 1132.Step 5: The given term 232 breaks the rule at the third step, while 8, 18, and 56 all align with the pattern multiply by 2, then by 3, and add 2 each time.

Verification / Alternative check:
The intended pattern is clearly a_{n+1} = a_n * k + 2, where k increases by 1 each step (2, 3, 4, 5, and so on). When we apply this rule starting from 8 we get 8, 18, 56, 226, 1132, which is consistent. The given term 232 cannot be produced by the same rule from 56, which confirms that it is the faulty or odd term in the series.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
18: Correctly obtained from 8 using 8 * 2 + 2, so it fits the pattern.
56: Correctly obtained from 18 with 18 * 3 + 2, so it also fits.
1165: While it does not match the ideal continuation 1132, it appears at the far end and the clearest direct break from the rule occurs at 232, making 232 the most obvious odd term.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners attempt to force a direct difference or ratio pattern and fail to notice the combined multiplication and addition rule. Others may try to adjust several terms at once instead of locating the first inconsistency in the pattern. For odd one out questions, the earliest clear break is usually the intended wrong term.

Final Answer:
The odd number out in the series is 232.