Number Series — Find the Wrong Term Spot the incorrect term in the sequence: 46080, 3840, 384, 48, 24, 2, 1.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 24

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Wrong-number series questions often hide a clean mathematical rule that one entry fails to follow. Here, the values shrink by division with systematically chosen even numbers. Your task is to identify the lone outlier.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series: 46080, 3840, 384, 48, 24, 2, 1
  • We expect a consistent rule (e.g., divide by descending even numbers).
  • Exactly one term is wrong.


Concept / Approach:
Test a natural descending-division rule by even numbers: divide by 12, then by 10, then by 8, then by 6, then by 4, then by 2. This kind of neat halving of the divisor by 2 each step (12→10→8→6→4→2) is typical in such puzzles.


Step-by-Step Solution:
46080 / 12 = 3840 ✔3840 / 10 = 384 ✔384 / 8 = 48 ✔48 / 6 = 8 (but the sequence shows 24 ✖)Continuing the correct pattern: 8 / 4 = 2 ✔2 / 2 = 1 ✔Therefore, the only mismatch is the term 24; it should have been 8 to maintain the rule.


Verification / Alternative check:
Replacing 24 with 8 yields the consistent sequence: 46080, 3840, 384, 48, 8, 2, 1, which strictly follows /12, /10, /8, /6, /4, /2.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 384, 48, 2: Each fits the division-by-decreasing-even-numbers pattern and is therefore correct.


Common Pitfalls:
Accepting an arbitrary mix of divisors. In exam settings, expect a clean descending or ascending structure; once identified, any inconsistent term becomes obvious.


Final Answer:
24

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