Number series – find the wrong term (identify the outlier) Series: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 96

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 96

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a powers-of-two recognition task. The series should follow a simple doubling pattern; one term does not.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 96.
  • Exactly one term is wrong.


Concept / Approach:
Check if each term is double the previous one. Powers of two proceed as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, …



Step-by-Step Solution:

From 1 onward: ×2 gives 2 ✔, ×2 gives 4 ✔, ×2 gives 8 ✔, ×2 gives 16 ✔, ×2 gives 32 ✔, ×2 gives 64 ✔.The next should be 64×2 = 128, not 96. Therefore 96 is the outlier.


Verification / Alternative check:
In a pure doubling progression, any deviation breaks the exact ratio of 2. Only 96 violates this principle.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 4, 16, 32, 64 are all honest powers of two placed correctly.


Common Pitfalls:
Misreading 96 as 128; overlooking that every consecutive ratio must be exactly 2 for a powers-of-two run.


Final Answer:
96

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