Number series (find the wrong term): 4, 10, 22, 46, 96, 190, 382

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 96

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This series is designed around a pattern in the differences rather than the terms themselves. Spotting a doubling rule in the increments allows us to identify the single erroneous value quickly and confidently.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series: 4, 10, 22, 46, 96, 190, 382.
  • Exactly one number is incorrect.


Concept / Approach:
Compute consecutive differences and check if those differences follow a clean pattern such as doubling. A single misfit in differences points to the adjacent incorrect term in the original sequence.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Differences: 10−4=6, 22−10=12, 46−22=24, 96−46=50, 190−96=94, 382−190=192.Expected doubling chain from 6 would be 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 192.Compare: actual has 50 (should be 48) and 94 (should be 96). Adjusting the term that causes both errors resolves them together: if the fourth difference were 48, then the next term after 46 would be 46+48=94, not 96.Hence, 96 is the incorrect term; it should be 94 for a perfectly doubling set of increments.


Verification / Alternative check:
Repaired series: 4, 10, 22, 46, 94, 190, 382 with differences 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 192 — flawless doubling.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 4, 10, 46, 382 do not break the doubling-difference rule once 96 is corrected to 94; removing them would damage an otherwise perfect pattern.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Changing a difference directly instead of identifying which term must be corrected to restore a global rule.


Final Answer:
96

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