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Question

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

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2018 (Tier 2) Statistics Previous Year Paper (22-feb-2018)
The correct answer is

49 : 218

Finding the Odd Number Pair Pattern

This question presents four pairs of numbers, and we need to find the one pair that is different from the other three. This usually means there is a pattern or rule that applies to three of the pairs, but not to the fourth one.

To solve this, we need to examine the relationship between the two numbers in each pair and try to find a consistent rule.

Analyzing the Given Number Pairs

Let's list the four number pairs:

  • Pair 1: 4 : 27
  • Pair 2: 16 : 125
  • Pair 3: 9 : 64
  • Pair 4: 49 : 218

We can often find patterns involving basic mathematical operations, powers, or relationships between the numbers.

Identifying the Number Pattern

Let's look at the numbers themselves. Many are perfect squares or perfect cubes:

  • 4 is $2^2$
  • 27 is $3^3$
  • 16 is $4^2$
  • 125 is $5^3$
  • 9 is $3^2$
  • 64 is $4^3$ or $8^2$
  • 49 is $7^2$
  • 218 is not a common power.

Let's try to find a relationship between the first and second number in each pair using these powers.

Pair First Number Second Number Observation
4 : 27

4 $= 2^2$

27 $= 3^3$

The base of the cube (3) is one more than the base of the square (2). This suggests a pattern like $n^2 : (n+1)^3$. Here $n=2$.

16 : 125

16 $= 4^2$

125 $= 5^3$

The base of the cube (5) is one more than the base of the square (4). This fits the pattern $n^2 : (n+1)^3$. Here $n=4$.

9 : 64

9 $= 3^2$

64 $= 4^3$

The base of the cube (4) is one more than the base of the square (3). This fits the pattern $n^2 : (n+1)^3$. Here $n=3$. Note that 64 is also $8^2$, but $3^2 : 8^2$ doesn't fit the $(n+1)$ relationship seen in the first two pairs.

49 : 218

49 $= 7^2$

218

The first number is $7^2$. If the pattern $n^2 : (n+1)^3$ holds, the second number should be $(7+1)^3 = 8^3$.


Let's calculate $8^3$ for the fourth pair:

$8^3 = 8 \times 8 \times 8 = 64 \times 8 = 512$.

So, if the fourth pair followed the same pattern $n^2 : (n+1)^3$ with $n=7$, it should be 49 : 512. However, the given pair is 49 : 218.

Therefore, the first three pairs follow the pattern $n^2 : (n+1)^3$, while the fourth pair does not.

Conclusion: Identifying the Odd Pair

Based on our analysis, the pair 49 : 218 is the one that is different from the other three, as it does not fit the $n^2 : (n+1)^3$ pattern.

Thus, the odd pair out is 49 : 218.

Revision Table: Analyzing Odd Number Pairs

Pair First Number Form ($n^2$) Second Number Form ($(n+1)^3$) Expected Second Number Actual Second Number Fits Pattern?
4 : 27 $2^2$ $(2+1)^3 = 3^3$ 27 27 Yes
16 : 125 $4^2$ $(4+1)^3 = 5^3$ 125 125 Yes
9 : 64 $3^2$ $(3+1)^3 = 4^3$ 64 64 Yes
49 : 218 $7^2$ $(7+1)^3 = 8^3$ 512 218 No

Additional Information: Number Pattern Questions

Odd pair out questions involving numbers test your ability to find logical rules or patterns. These can be based on various mathematical concepts:

  • Arithmetic/Geometric Progressions: Looking at differences or ratios between numbers.
  • Powers: Identifying squares, cubes, or other powers.
  • Prime/Composite Numbers: Checking if numbers are prime or composite.
  • Digit Properties: Sum of digits, product of digits, etc.
  • Mathematical Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination of these applied between the numbers in a pair or sequence.

To improve at these questions, practice recognizing common sequences and properties of numbers 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. 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. 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)

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  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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