Find the wrong number by inspecting the stepped-decrement pattern: 125, 106, 88, 76, 65, 58, 53

Introduction / Context:
Wrong-number series require reconstructing the intended step pattern and spotting the single term that distorts it. Here, the decrements are nearly regular but one term causes a mismatch relative to a clean scheme with descending primes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 125, 106, 88, 76, 65, 58, 53
• Consider a pattern of subtracting descending primes: 19, 17, 13, 11, 7, 5

Concept / Approach:
Apply the descending prime subtractions from 125: 125−19=106; next should be 106−17=89 (but given 88). Continuing with 89−13=76, 76−11=65, 65−7=58, 58−5=53 shows a perfectly consistent path if 89 replaces 88.

Step-by-Step Solution:
125 − 19 = 106 ✔106 − 17 = 89 (expected); given is 88 ✖89 − 13 = 76 ✔76 − 11 = 65 ✔65 − 7 = 58 ✔; 58 − 5 = 53 ✔

Verification / Alternative check:
Using the prime-stepping rule, every term fits precisely once 88 is corrected to 89. The rest of the chain remains intact, pointing uniquely to 88 as the outlier.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
125, 106, 76, and 65 all align with the descending prime decrements when 88 is adjusted to 89.

Common Pitfalls:
Trying to force a single arithmetic difference; many wrong-number series rely on motif sequences like descending primes.

Final Answer:
88