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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

(400 - 80 - 14)

The question asks us to select the group of numbers that is different from the others. This usually means finding a pattern or rule that applies to three of the groups, while the remaining group does not follow that rule. The instructions state that operations should be performed on the whole numbers provided, not on their individual digits.

Analyzing the Number Groups to Find the Pattern

Let's look at each group, given in the format (N1 - N2 - N3), and try to find a relationship between the three numbers.

  • Group 1: (600 - 120 - 24)
    • Check the relationship between the first and second number: \(600 \div 120 = 5\). This means \(N_2 = N_1 \div 5\).
    • Check the relationship between the second and third number: \(120 \div 24 = 5\). This means \(N_3 = N_2 \div 5\).
    • This group follows a clear pattern: the second number is the first divided by 5, and the third number is the second divided by 5.
  • Group 2: (400 - 80 - 14)
    • Check the relationship between the first and second number: \(400 \div 80 = 5\). This means \(N_2 = N_1 \div 5\).
    • Check the relationship between the second and third number: \(80 \div 14\). \(80 \div 14 = 40/7\), which is approximately 5.71 and not exactly 5. This means \(N_3 \neq N_2 \div 5\).
    • This group follows the first part of the pattern but not the second part.
  • Group 3: (300 - 60 - 12)
    • Check the relationship between the first and second number: \(300 \div 60 = 5\). This means \(N_2 = N_1 \div 5\).
    • Check the relationship between the second and third number: \(60 \div 12 = 5\). This means \(N_3 = N_2 \div 5\).
    • This group follows the same pattern as Group 1.
  • Group 4: (500 - 100 - 20)
    • Check the relationship between the first and second number: \(500 \div 100 = 5\). This means \(N_2 = N_1 \div 5\).
    • Check the relationship between the second and third number: \(100 \div 20 = 5\). This means \(N_3 = N_2 \div 5\).
    • This group follows the same pattern as Group 1 and Group 3.

Identifying the Odd Group of Numbers

Based on our analysis, three of the groups (Group 1, Group 3, and Group 4) follow the pattern where each subsequent number is obtained by dividing the previous number by 5. Group 2, however, only follows the first division (\(N_1 \div 5 = N_2\)) but not the second (\(N_2 \div 5 = N_3\)).

Therefore, the group (400 - 80 - 14) is the odd one out because the third number, 14, is not the result of dividing the second number, 80, by 5 (which would be 16).

Here is a summary in a table:

Group Numbers (N1 - N2 - N3) Check N1 ÷ 5 = N2 Check N2 ÷ 5 = N3 Follows Pattern (N2=N1/5, N3=N2/5)?
1 (600 - 120 - 24) \(600 \div 5 = 120\) (Yes) \(120 \div 5 = 24\) (Yes) Yes
2 (400 - 80 - 14) \(400 \div 5 = 80\) (Yes) \(80 \div 5 = 16\). N3 is 14 (No) No
3 (300 - 60 - 12) \(300 \div 5 = 60\) (Yes) \(60 \div 5 = 12\) (Yes) Yes
4 (500 - 100 - 20) \(500 \div 5 = 100\) (Yes) \(100 \div 5 = 20\) (Yes) Yes

Revision Table: Understanding Odd Group Out Questions

Concept Description Approach Strategy
Objective Find the single item (number, pair, group) that does not share the common property, pattern, or rule with the others. Systematically analyze each option to identify the underlying rule.
Types of Patterns Can involve arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷), ratios, squares, cubes, prime numbers, divisibility rules, etc. Consider simple operations first, then more complex ones. Apply the same check to all options.
Whole Number Rule When specified, operations apply only to the complete number, not its constituent digits. Strictly follow the rule. E.g., for 13, use 13 as a whole; do not separate into 1 and 3.

Additional Information: Tips for Number Pattern Problems

Solving number pattern and odd group out problems requires keen observation and systematic checking. Here are some tips:

  • Always look for simple arithmetic relations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) first between consecutive numbers or corresponding elements in groups.
  • Check for constant differences or constant ratios.
  • Consider squares, cubes, or other powers of numbers.
  • Look for patterns related to prime numbers, composite numbers, odd/even numbers.
  • If the pattern isn't immediately obvious, calculate differences or ratios between terms and see if those form a pattern.
  • Test the potential pattern on all given options to confirm it holds for most and fails for only one.
  • Pay close attention to any specific rules provided in the question, like the rule about using whole numbers here.

Practice is key to recognizing different types of number patterns quickly.

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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. 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.

    (NOTE: The relation should be found without breaking down the numbers into its constituent digits)

  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) are followed in all the number pairs except one. Find that odd number pair.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers of the following sets.

    (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)

    (121, 81, 2)

    (88, 54, 2)

  8. Three of the following four triads are alike in a certain way as they are formed by performing same mathematical operations among themselves and thus form a group.
    Which triad does NOT belong to that group?

  9. 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.

  10. 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.


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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