Number series – find the wrong term (identify the outlier) Series: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, 37, 50, 64

Introduction / Context:
This series is built from a simple formula pattern. Spotting a single wrong value requires recognizing that each term follows the same rule relating its position to a basic function.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, 37, 50, 64.
• Exactly one term is wrong.

Concept / Approach:
Test the hypothesis a(n) = n^2 + 1, a very common construct in such sequences, where n starts at 1.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Replacing the final 64 with 65 gives a perfect match for a(n) = n^2 + 1 across all positions. No other term breaks the pattern.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 17, 26, 37, 50 all exactly equal n^2 + 1 for n = 4, 5, 6, 7 respectively; removing them would destroy the clean quadratic rule.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming a difference-based rule and missing the simpler square-plus-one formula; ignoring that only the last item fails the test.

Final Answer:
64