Multiple choice

Find the wrong term in the following number series. $3 \quad 9 \quad 27 \quad 97 \quad 479 \quad 2881$

  1. $2881$
  2. $97$
  3. $9$
  4. $3$
  5. $27$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The pattern is: x2, x3, x4, x5, x6 with subtraction. 3 x 2 = 6, but we have 9. 9 x 3 = 27 ✓, 27 x 4 = 108 - 11 = 97 ✓, 97 x 5 = 485 - 6 = 479 ✓, 479 x 6 = 2874 - 2874 + 7 = 2881 ✓. Wait, checking 3 to 9: 3 x 2 + 3 = 9, 9 x 3 = 27 ✓. But 27 doesn't fit x4-? pattern. Let me reconsider. Actually: 3 x 2 + 3 = 9, 9 x 3 = 27, 27 x 4 - 11 = 97, 97 x 5 - 6 = 479. The multiplier increases, subtraction changes. If 9 is wrong and should be 6: 3, 6, 24, 96... doesn't fit. If 27 is wrong: 3 x 3 = 9, 9 x 3 = 27, should follow x3, x4, x5... The 27 is correct. The 9 breaks the pattern.

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