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Question

Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

6 : 252 ∷ 5 : ?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

150

Understanding Number Analogies and Finding Patterns

Number analogy questions test your ability to find a relationship between two numbers and apply that same relationship to a third number to find a missing fourth number. The given analogy is:

\(6 : 252 \;\;::\;\; 5 : ?\)

This means we need to discover the pattern or rule that connects 6 to 252, and then use that same rule to find the number that relates to 5.

Analyzing the Relationship between 6 and 252

Let's examine how 6 might be related to 252. We can consider basic mathematical operations like multiplication, squaring, cubing, addition, or subtraction, or a combination of these.

  • If we multiply 6 by some number to get 252: \(252 \div 6 = 42\). The relationship could be multiplying by 42. If we apply this to 5: \(5 \times 42 = 210\). However, 210 is not one of the options.
  • Let's consider powers of 6:
  • \(6^2 = 36\)
  • \(6^3 = 216\)

Notice that 216 is quite close to 252. The difference is \(252 - 216 = 36\). Interestingly, 36 is \(6^2\).

This suggests a possible relationship: The second number is the cube of the first number plus the square of the first number.

Let the first number be \(n\). The relationship appears to be \(n^3 + n^2\).

Let's verify this rule with the first pair (6 : 252):

For \(n=6\):

\[6^3 + 6^2 = 216 + 36 = 252\]

This matches the given relationship between 6 and 252.

Applying the Pattern to Find the Missing Number

Now, we apply the same rule \(n^3 + n^2\) to the third number, which is 5.

For \(n=5\):

\[5^3 + 5^2 = 125 + 25 = 150\]

So, the missing number related to 5 is 150.

Checking the Options

Let's compare our calculated missing number (150) with the given options:

  • 125
  • 150
  • 225
  • 176

Our calculated value, 150, matches option 2.

Therefore, the relationship is \(n^3 + n^2\), and applying this to 5 gives 150.

Number Analogy Revision Table

Concept Description Example (based on this problem)
Number Analogy Identifying the relationship between a pair of numbers to find a related number for another given number. 6 : 252 :: 5 : ?
Pattern Recognition The process of finding the rule (mathematical operation or sequence) that connects the given pair. Discovering the \(n^3 + n^2\) pattern for 6 and 252.
Applying the Rule Using the identified pattern on the third number to find the fourth number. Applying \(n^3 + n^2\) to 5 to get 150.

Additional Information on Number Analogy Patterns

Number analogies can involve various types of patterns. Understanding these common patterns can help solve such questions faster.

  • Arithmetic Operations: Simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
  • Squares and Cubes: The relationship might involve squaring (\(n^2\)), cubing (\(n^3\)), or combinations like \(n^2+1\), \(n^3-1\), \(n^2+n\), \(n^3+n^2\), etc.
  • Prime Numbers: The numbers might be prime numbers or related to their sequence.
  • Digit Operations: The pattern might involve operations on the digits of the number (e.g., sum of digits, product of digits).
  • Sequence Based: Numbers following a specific sequence like Fibonacci.

Always start by checking simple relationships and then move towards more complex ones involving powers or combinations of operations when solving number analogy problems.

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Important Questions from Letter and Number Based

  1. Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

    22 : 441 :: 13 : ?
  2. Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

    31 : 90 :: 43 : ?

  3. Select the option which is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

    7 : 56 :: 13 : ?

  4. Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

    77 : 11 :: 259 : ?

  5. Select the option that is related to the third number in the same way as the second number is related to the first number.

    15 : 270 :: 13 : ?
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