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Question

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.

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

254

Finding the Different Number in a Series

This question asks us to identify the number that is different from the rest in a given set of four numbers. This type of problem tests our ability to find a pattern or rule that applies to a group of numbers, and identify the one that doesn't follow that rule. The given numbers are 254, 217, 126, and 189.

Let's examine the properties of these numbers to find a common pattern among three of them.

  • 254
  • 217
  • 126
  • 189

We can try looking for patterns like even/odd, sum of digits, perfect squares or cubes $\pm$ a number, or divisibility rules.

Checking for Divisibility by 7

Let's test if these numbers are divisible by 7.

  • For 217: $217 \div 7$
Calculation Result
$217 \div 7$ 31

217 is divisible by 7 ($217 = 7 \times 31$).

  • For 126: $126 \div 7$
Calculation Result
$126 \div 7$ 18

126 is divisible by 7 ($126 = 7 \times 18$).

  • For 189: $189 \div 7$
Calculation Result
$189 \div 7$ 27

189 is divisible by 7 ($189 = 7 \times 27$).

  • For 254: $254 \div 7$
Calculation Result
$254 \div 7$ $36$ with a remainder ($254 = 7 \times 36 + 2$)

254 is NOT divisible by 7.

Based on this analysis, we can see that three numbers (217, 126, and 189) are divisible by 7, while one number (254) is not divisible by 7. This establishes a clear pattern where 254 is the number that does not fit the rule.

Conclusion

The numbers 217, 126, and 189 share the property of being divisible by 7. The number 254 does not share this property. Therefore, 254 is the number that is different from the rest.

Revision Table: Analyzing Number Properties

Number Divisible by 7? Notes
254 No ($254 = 7 \times 36 + 2$) Not divisible by 7
217 Yes ($217 = 7 \times 31$) Divisible by 7
126 Yes ($126 = 7 \times 18$) Divisible by 7
189 Yes ($189 = 7 \times 27$) Divisible by 7

Additional Information: Odd One Out Reasoning

Odd one out questions in reasoning test involve classifying a group of items (numbers, letters, words, figures) based on a common characteristic or rule. The goal is to identify the one item that does not belong to the group. Common patterns to look for include:

  • Mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
  • Properties of numbers (even/odd, prime/composite, perfect squares/cubes, divisibility rules).
  • Sequences or series (arithmetic progression, geometric progression, etc.).
  • Sum or product of digits.
  • Arrangement or structure (for letters, words, or figures).

Finding the pattern often requires checking multiple possibilities until one fits three or more items in the set, leaving only one item that 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. 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.

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