Fast, Free & Accurate Online IQ Test

This question tests your fluid reasoning and pattern recognition skills by requiring you to identify the underlying sequence governing a series of numbers and to determine which number disrupts this pattern. Let's analyze the series step by step to uncover the pattern:

The given series is: 1, 2, 5, 10, 13, 26, 29, 48.

Observing the progression, we can hypothesize that the series alternates between two operations: multiplying by 2 and adding 3.

• Starting with 1:
• 1 multiplied by 2 equals 2 (1 * 2 = 2).
• 2 added to 3 equals 5 (2 + 3 = 5).
• 5 multiplied by 2 equals 10 (5 * 2 = 10).
• 10 added to 3 equals 13 (10 + 3 = 13).
• 13 multiplied by 2 equals 26 (13 * 2 = 26).
• 26 added to 3 equals 29 (26 + 3 = 29).
• 29 multiplied by 2 equals 58 (29 * 2 = 58).

According to this pattern, after 29, the next number should be 58. However, the series provides 48 instead of 58, which breaks the established pattern. Therefore, the number that does not belong in the series is 48.

This problem assesses your ability to discern complex patterns and apply them consistently. Recognizing the alternating operations requires abstract thinking and the ability to manipulate numerical information mentally. Such skills are essential components of fluid reasoning, allowing individuals to solve novel problems and adapt to new situations by identifying relationships and patterns.