Question:medium

Find the odd one out:
2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42, 56

Show Hint

Check properties like divisibility or formulas for the given numbers to spot the odd one out.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • 12
  • 30
  • 42
  • 56
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Analyze the number sequence:
\[
2, 6, 12, 20, 30, 42, 56
\]

Step 2: The numbers follow the formula \( n(n+1) \) for \( n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots \). Verify each term:
\[
1 \times 2 = 2, \quad 2 \times 3 = 6, \quad 3 \times 4 = 12, \quad 4 \times 5 = 20, \quad 5 \times 6 = 30, \quad 6 \times 7 = 42, \quad 7 \times 8 = 56
\]

Step 3: Examine divisibility by 3. Numbers 6, 12, 30, and 42 are divisible by 3. Numbers 2 and 56 are not. As 2 is not an outlier in the given options, 56 is the odd one out because it is not divisible by 3, unlike the other numbers in the sequence.
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