Multiple choice

Find out the wrong number in the following number series. -2 +5 -1 12 29 166 981

  1. 5

  2. -1

  3. 166

  4. 981

  5. 29
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The pattern is: square and add/subtract increasing numbers. -2²+1=-3 (not -1), 5²-10=15 (not 12), 12²+25=169 (not 166). Alternatively: multiply by decreasing integers and add/subtract. Testing reveals 166 is incorrect - should be 169 following x²+n pattern.

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