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Question

Select the odd group of numbers. (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g.13– Operations on 13 such as adding /subtracting /multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed)

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

(12 – 14 – 18)

Finding the Odd Group of Numbers

The question asks us to identify the group of numbers that does not follow the same pattern as the others. We are specifically instructed to perform operations on the whole numbers within each group, not on their individual digits.

Let's examine each group and determine the relationship between the numbers.

Analyzing Group 1: (16 – 20 – 24)

  • Difference between the second and first number: ${20 - 16 = 4}$
  • Difference between the third and second number: ${24 - 20 = 4}$
  • Pattern: The numbers in this group increase by a constant difference of 4.

Analyzing Group 2: (23 – 27 – 31)

  • Difference between the second and first number: ${27 - 23 = 4}$
  • Difference between the third and second number: ${31 - 27 = 4}$
  • Pattern: The numbers in this group increase by a constant difference of 4.

Analyzing Group 3: (11 – 15 – 19)

  • Difference between the second and first number: ${15 - 11 = 4}$
  • Difference between the third and second number: ${19 - 15 = 4}$
  • Pattern: The numbers in this group increase by a constant difference of 4.

Analyzing Group 4: (12 – 14 – 18)

  • Difference between the second and first number: ${14 - 12 = 2}$
  • Difference between the third and second number: ${18 - 14 = 4}$
  • Pattern: The numbers in this group increase by a difference of 2, then by a difference of 4.

Comparing the Patterns of the Groups

Let's put the patterns we found into a table for easy comparison:

Group Numbers Difference 1 (2nd - 1st) Difference 2 (3rd - 2nd) Pattern
1 (16 – 20 – 24) ${4}$ ${4}$ Constant difference of 4
2 (23 – 27 – 31) ${4}$ ${4}$ Constant difference of 4
3 (11 – 15 – 19) ${4}$ ${4}$ Constant difference of 4
4 (12 – 14 – 18) ${2}$ ${4}$ Difference of 2, then 4

From the table, we can clearly see that Groups 1, 2, and 3 all follow the same pattern: each subsequent number is obtained by adding 4 to the previous number. Group 4, however, follows a different pattern, where the first difference is 2 and the second difference is 4.

Therefore, Group 4 is the odd one out among the given options.

Revision Table: Understanding Odd Group Questions

Concept Explanation Key Skill
Odd Group Out Finding the item (in this case, a group of numbers) that does not fit a pattern or rule followed by the other items. Pattern recognition
Number Patterns Identifying the relationship between numbers in a sequence or group (e.g., arithmetic progression, geometric progression, differences, sums, etc.). Logical deduction
Given Constraints Paying close attention to specific rules mentioned in the question (like operating on whole numbers vs. digits). Careful reading

Additional Information: Solving Number Series Problems

Finding the odd group of numbers is a common type of logical reasoning question, often related to number series. Here are some approaches to solve such problems:

  • Look for Differences: Calculate the difference between consecutive numbers. Is it constant? Is there a pattern in the differences themselves? (As done in this problem).
  • Look for Ratios: If the differences are not constant, check if there is a constant ratio between consecutive numbers (geometric progression).
  • Look for Sums or Products: Sometimes the next number is the sum or product of the previous numbers.
  • Check for Squares, Cubes, Primes: Numbers might be squares, cubes, prime numbers, or related to them (e.g., $n^2+1$, $n^3-1$).
  • Combine Operations: The pattern might involve a combination of operations (e.g., multiply by 2 and add 1).
  • Consider Alternating Patterns: There might be two different patterns applied alternately.

Always apply the same potential pattern to all options to confirm which one is different.

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Similar Questions

  1. Four number-pairs have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the number-pair that is different. (Any operation on digits is not allowed)

  2. In the following question, four number pairs are given. In each pair the number on left side of (-) is related to the number of the right side of (-) with some Logic/Rule/Relation. Three pairs are similar on basis of same Logic/Rule/Relation. Select the odd one out from the given alternatives. (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits. E.g.13 - Operations on 13 such as adding/subtracting/multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed)

  3. The second number in the given number pairs is obtained by performing certain mathematical operation(s) on the first number. The same operation(s) are followed in all the number pairs except one. Find that odd number pair.

  4. The second number in the given number-pairs is obtained by performing certain mathematical operation(s) on the first number. The same operation(s) is/are followed in all the number-pairs except one. Find that odd number-pair.

  5. Select the number-pair in which the two numbers share a different relationship from that shared by the two numbers in the rest of the number-pairs.

  6. Four number-pairs have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the number-pair that is different.

  7. Three of the following four number-pairs are alike in a certain way and one is different. Pickthe odd pair out.

  8. Three of the following four numbers are alike in a certain way and one is different. Pick the number that is different from the rest.

  9. Four numbers-pair have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner and is different. Select the number-pair that is different from the rest

  10. Select the option is which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers in the given set.

    (45, 24, 441)

Important Questions from Number Based

  1. In the following question, four number pairs are given. The number on left side of (-) is related to the number of the right side of (-) with some Logic/Rule/Relation. Three are similar on basis of same Logic/Rule/Relation. Select the odd one out from the given alternatives.

  2. Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the number of the following set.

    (3, 7, 58)

  3. Find the odd number/letters from the given alternatives.

  4. Find the odd number/letters from the given alternatives.

  5. Identify the number which is different from the other.

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