Answer :
To determine the wrong number in the sequence 16, 59, 99, 137, 168, 197, we first need to examine the pattern or rule governing the sequence. Let's find the differences between consecutive terms:
The difference between 59 and 16 is: \(59 - 16 = 43\)
The difference between 99 and 59 is: \(99 - 59 = 40\)
The difference between 137 and 99 is: \(137 - 99 = 38\)
The difference between 168 and 137 is: \(168 - 137 = 31\)
The difference between 197 and 168 is: \(197 - 168 = 29\)
Now, let's analyze the differences: 43, 40, 38, 31, 29. This shows an inconsistent pattern. A consistent pattern, for example, might involve a sequence that changes by the same increment (such as consecutive numbers differing by the same amount).
A noticeable inconsistency here is between consecutive differences, particularly the change between 38 to 31. Let's adjust to check if following a consistent pattern helps:
If we skip the number 137 and consider 99 directly followed by 168, we check the difference: \(168 - 99 = 69\).
Now, let's examine the following segment: 59, 99, 168, 197:
- The difference between 99 and 59 is still \(40\)
- The difference from 99 to 168 is \(69\)
- The difference from 168 to 197 is \(29\)
The number 137 seems to disrupt the pattern if considering increasing steps; hence, 137 seems to be the inconsistent number in this sequence. Therefore, the wrong number is \boxed{137}.
In conclusion, the sequence might need rearranging without 137 to follow a specific pattern consistently. Thus, the correct choice according to the sequence pattern is (D) 137.
