Spot the odd term in a “+ odd numbers” pattern: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, 37, 50, 64

Introduction / Context:This sequence adds consecutive odd numbers to generate each next term. Identifying a single break in that steadily growing odd-difference pattern reveals the odd term.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, 37, 50, 64.
• Target difference pattern: +3, +5, +7, +9, +11, +13, +15, …

Concept / Approach:Compute differences and compare to the intended odd sequence. The term that fails to reflect the correct next odd difference is the odd one out.

Step-by-Step Solution:5 − 2 = 310 − 5 = 517 − 10 = 726 − 17 = 937 − 26 = 1150 − 37 = 13Next should be +15 ⇒ 50 + 15 = 65 (but given: 64 ✗)

Verification / Alternative check:Replacing 64 with 65 reestablishes the clean +3, +5, +7, +9, +11, +13, +15 progression. All earlier steps already match this rule perfectly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 50 / 26 / 37 are fully consistent with consecutive odd increments; only the last step is off by 1.

Common Pitfalls:

• Treating small end-of-series typos as pattern changes; here the odd-number ladder is definitive.

Final Answer:64