Can You Help Please?

[Valc50]

Which number is the odd one out & why
-2, 4, 7, 12, 19, 22,31,38, 43

Thanks

[factor-fiction]

-2 is the only negative number; 4 is the only square number; -2 or 4 because it breaks up the sequence of alternating even and odd numbers.....
There are probably several more possible answers

[Valc50]

Thanks for your help. I'm sure I haven't a clue but I like the reasoning behind your answer.

Val

[factor-fiction]

Starting at the end and working back the alternate numbers go down in 12s (43, 31, 19, 7) but the term -2 doesn't follow the pattern. However there is no obvious logic to the other alternate reverse pattern (38, 22, 12, 4).

What's the context of the question? Is there a theme to this quiz?

[factor-fiction]

7, 18, 31 and 43 are also primes if that helps

[elliemay1]

^you mean 19 is prime

[factor-fiction]

Yes, sorry- I meant to type 19 again as it's that same set (43, 31, 19, 7).
But I think there are so many possible answers, none of which seems satisfactory, that it would help to know the context of the question. Is it maths homework, a church quiz, a book club quiz, TV related...?

[factor-fiction]

Yes, the 2 would make the prime pattern more likely but I've assume the -2 is correct as Valc didn't disagree when i commented on it being the only negative number. But I still don't see a definite pattern for the even numbers.

I'll wait for some more info on the context of the question.

[Tilly2]

moderator dalek-------castigate, castigate.

[Tilly2]

Sorry!

[Valc50]

It is a quiz in work so no theme or anything. I will let you know the answer when I have it.

Thanks a lot