Question

Find the number that breaks the pattern: 2, 5, 10, 17, 28, 40, 58

• A. 10
• B. 17
• C. 40
• D. 28

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 40

Observe the pattern:

• $(2 \to 5) (+3)$

• $(5 \to 10) (+5)$

• $(10 \to 17) (+7)$

• $(17 \to 28) (+11)$

• $(28 \to 40) (+12)$

• $(40 \to 58) (+18)$

The intended pattern seems to be adding consecutive prime numbers:

+3, +5, +7, +11, +13, +17

So after 28, it should be:

(28 + 13 = 41), not 40.

Then:

(41 + 17 = 58)

Therefore, the number that breaks the pattern is 40.