Multiple choice

In the following number series, a term is wrong. Find the wrong number. 2 5 9 42 98 234

  1. 234

  2. 98

  3. 42

  4. 9

  5. 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The pattern is 2³-1=7≈5, 5³-3=122≠9, 9³-5=724≠42. The series follows a pattern of cube of natural numbers minus consecutive odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). Applying this: 2³-1=7, 5³-3=122, 9³-5=724, 42³-7=74061, 98³-9=941183. The last term 234 doesn't fit this pattern.

Keep practicing — related questions