Multiple choice

Directions: In the following number series, one number is wrong. Find out the wrong number. 812, 398, 190, 90, 40, 16

  1. 812

  2. 398

  3. 190

  4. 90

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
AI explanation

The pattern in this series involves dividing by two and then subtracting or adding an increasing number. Half of 812 is 406, and subtracting 8 gives 398. Half of 398 is 199, and subtracting 9 gives 190. Half of 190 is 95, and subtracting 5 gives 90. This subtraction sequence is inconsistent. Let us re-examine the logic: half of 812 is 406, subtract 8 to get 398. Half of 398 is 199, subtract 9 to get 190. Half of 190 is 95, subtract 5 to get 90. The number 190 does not fit the consistent pattern of the other numbers derived from subtracting consecutive even or odd numbers. Actually, half of 812 is 406, minus 8 is 398. Half of 398 is 199, minus 9 is 190. Half of 90 is 45, minus 5 is 40. Half of 40 is 20, minus 4 is 16. The differences between the halved numbers and the actual numbers are 8, 9, and then for 90 it is 5, and for 40 it is 4. The number 190 should be such that half of 398 minus a number equals it. If the sequence of subtracted numbers is 8, 9, 10, 11, then half of 398 is 199, minus 10 is 189. So 190 is the wrong number.