All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

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

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

13 : 179

Finding the Odd Number Pair in Reasoning Questions

This type of question, often found in logical reasoning sections, asks you to identify the number pair that does not follow the same rule or pattern as the others. We are given four number pairs and need to find the one that is different.

Analyzing the Number Pairs

Let's look closely at the given pairs:

  • 14 : 201
  • 13 : 179
  • 12 : 149
  • 8 : 69

We need to find a mathematical relationship between the first number and the second number in each pair. A common pattern involves squaring the first number or applying a linear operation.

Discovering the Pattern

Let's try squaring the first number and seeing if there is a consistent addition or subtraction to get the second number.

  • For the pair 14 : 201: Let the first number be $x=14$. We check $x^2 = 14^2 = 196$. The second number is 201. The difference is $201 - 196 = 5$. So, the pattern could be $x^2 + 5$.
  • For the pair 13 : 179: Let $x=13$. We check $x^2 = 13^2 = 169$. The second number is 179. The difference is $179 - 169 = 10$. So, the pattern here is $x^2 + 10$.
  • For the pair 12 : 149: Let $x=12$. We check $x^2 = 12^2 = 144$. The second number is 149. The difference is $149 - 144 = 5$. So, the pattern is $x^2 + 5$.
  • For the pair 8 : 69: Let $x=8$. We check $x^2 = 8^2 = 64$. The second number is 69. The difference is $69 - 64 = 5$. So, the pattern is $x^2 + 5$.

Identifying the Odd One Out

Based on the analysis:

  • 14 : 201 follows the pattern $x^2 + 5$.
  • 13 : 179 follows the pattern $x^2 + 10$.
  • 12 : 149 follows the pattern $x^2 + 5$.
  • 8 : 69 follows the pattern $x^2 + 5$.

Three of the four pairs follow the pattern where the second number is obtained by squaring the first number and adding 5. The pair 13 : 179 does not follow this pattern; it requires adding 10 to the square of the first number.

Therefore, 13 : 179 is the odd one out among the given number-pairs.

Pattern Analysis of Number Pairs
Number Pair ($x : y$) First Number ($x$) $x^2$ Second Number ($y$) Difference ($y - x^2$) Pattern
14 : 201 14 196 201 5 $x^2 + 5$
13 : 179 13 169 179 10 $x^2 + 10$
12 : 149 12 144 149 5 $x^2 + 5$
8 : 69 8 64 69 5 $x^2 + 5$

Revision Table: Key Concepts

Key Concepts for Odd One Out
Concept Description
Odd One Out Identifying the item (number, word, pair, figure) that does not belong to a group based on a common property or rule.
Number Pair Reasoning Finding a relationship between the two numbers in a pair, often involving arithmetic operations, squares, cubes, digits, etc.
Pattern Recognition The ability to identify consistent rules or sequences in a set of data.

Additional Information: Common Patterns in Number Pairs

Besides squaring and adding/subtracting, number pair questions can use various patterns. Understanding these can help solve similar problems:

  • Linear Relationship: $ax + b = y$ (e.g., $3x + 2 = y$)
  • Cubes: $x^3 + \text{constant} = y$ or $x^3 - \text{constant} = y$
  • Multiplication/Division: $ax = y$ or $x/a = y$
  • Sum/Difference of Digits: Operations on the digits of the first number to get the second.
  • Prime/Composite Numbers: One number is prime, the other related based on its properties.
  • Sequence Based: The numbers might follow a specific sequence rule (e.g., Fibonacci).

Always test simple patterns first, like squares or cubes, before moving to more complex ones.

Was this answer helpful?

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. 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)

  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. 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.

  5. 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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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

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

    (45, 24, 441)
  10. Select the option in which the numbers are related in the same ways as are the numbers in the given set.

    (14, 18, 277)

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.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC CGL
September 30, 2026
UPSSSC PET
October 23, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
5390 Attempts
4.2(868)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App