Correct Answer: 82

Solution : Let's check the options –

First option: 18; 4 x 4 = 16→4 – 2 = 2→16 + 2 = 18
Second option: 40; 6 x 6 = 36→6 – 2 = 4→36 + 4 = 40
Third option: 82; 9 x 9 = 81→9 – 2 = 7→81 + 7 = 88 ≠ 82
Fourth option: 180; 13 x 13 = 169→13 – 2 = 11→169 + 11 = 180

So, the third option does not follow the pattern of squaring a number and adding 2 less than the number to the resultant. Hence, the third option is correct.