Number series – insert the missing term by successive division: 840, ?, 420, 140, 35, 7
Aptitude
Odd Man Out and Series
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A408
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B840
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C480
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D804
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E560
Answer
Correct Answer: 840
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Look for factor-based decay: consecutive divisions by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 produce a tidy ladder from the start value.
Observation / Approach:
- 840 ÷ 1 = 840
- 840 ÷ 2 = 420
- 420 ÷ 3 = 140
- 140 ÷ 4 = 35
- 35 ÷ 5 = 7
Step-by-Step Solution:The missing second term equals 840 ÷ 1 = 840.
Verification / Alternative check:All subsequent divisions neatly match the remainder of the given sequence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Other values break the exact factorial-like division progression and will not land exactly on 420 after the next step.
Common Pitfalls:Starting the division at 2; the pattern begins with ÷1 to include the repeated 840.
Final Answer:840