In the sequence 56, 72, 90, 110, 132, 150, which term is incorrect or the wrong number in the series?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 150

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem is a classic wrong number in series question. You are asked to find which term does not fit a simple numeric pattern. These are very common in bank exams and other competitive tests because they can be solved quickly if you are comfortable with sequences built by adding regular increments.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Given sequence: 56, 72, 90, 110, 132, 150.
  • Exactly one number is assumed to be wrong.
  • The correct underlying pattern is expected to be simple and consistent.


Concept / Approach:
When dealing with such sequences, we first calculate the differences between consecutive terms. If the differences themselves follow a simple pattern such as consecutive even numbers, arithmetic progression, or geometric progression, the term that does not maintain this pattern is the wrong one. Here, the focus is on even number increments.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute the differences: 72 - 56 = 16.Next difference: 90 - 72 = 18.Next difference: 110 - 90 = 20.Next difference: 132 - 110 = 22.Next difference: 150 - 132 = 18.From the first four differences we see the clear pattern: 16, 18, 20, 22. These are consecutive even numbers increasing by 2.If the pattern continued correctly, the next difference after 22 should be 24, not 18. So the last term should have been 132 + 24 = 156, not 150.


Verification / Alternative check:
We can rewrite the correct pattern as: 56, 72, 90, 110, 132, 156, where each term is obtained by adding successive even numbers 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. This produces a smooth, logical progression. The original series deviates only at the last term. Therefore, 150 is clearly the incorrect number in the sequence.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
56 is the starting term and fits perfectly.
72, 90, 110 and 132 all maintain the pattern of adding consecutive even numbers and are consistent with one another.
Only 150 fails to follow the expected increment of 24 from 132 and so it is the only wrong term.


Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes examinees look for multiplicative relationships instead of additive ones and get stuck. Others may not check all differences carefully and assume a random term is wrong. Always list the differences fully and observe whether they form a pattern such as consecutive even numbers. That quick check avoids unnecessary confusion.


Final Answer:
The wrong term in the sequence is 150.

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