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Question

Using the following sequence, determine which of the given options does not belong to the group.

R B 7 5 E % M 3 W 4 8 Q 9 # B 2 A $ M S

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

4 % M

Analyzing the Given Sequence and Options

The problem asks us to identify which option among the given choices does not follow the pattern exhibited by the others, based on the provided sequence: R B 7 5 E % M 3 W 4 8 Q 9 # B 2 A $ M S.

To solve this, we need to examine each option and find a relationship between the elements presented in the option and their positions within the original sequence. Let's first list the elements in the sequence and their corresponding positions:

Element Position Element Position Element Position Element Position
R 1 % 6 W 9 # 14
B 2 M 7 4 10 B 15
7 3 3 8 8 11 2 16
5 4 Q 12 A 17
E 5 9 13 $ 18
M 19
S 20

Now, let's look at each option and determine the positions of its elements in the original sequence:

  • Option 1: # % 4
    • # is at position 14
    • % is at position 6
    • 4 is at position 10
    Positions for Option 1 are: 14, 6, 10.
  • Option 2: R E W
    • R is at position 1
    • E is at position 5
    • W is at position 9
    Positions for Option 2 are: 1, 5, 9.
  • Option 3: 4 % M
    • 4 is at position 10
    • % is at position 6
    • M is at position 7
    Positions for Option 3 are: 10, 6, 7.
  • Option 4: 3 Q 2
    • 3 is at position 8
    • Q is at position 12
    • 2 is at position 16
    Positions for Option 4 are: 8, 12, 16.

Identifying the Pattern in Element Positions

Let's examine the positions for each option:

  • Option 1: (14, 6, 10)
  • Option 2: (1, 5, 9)
  • Option 3: (10, 6, 7)
  • Option 4: (8, 12, 16)

Let's analyze the parity (whether a number is even or odd) of these positions:

Option Position 1 Parity Position 2 Parity Position 3 Parity Parity Pattern
1 (# % 4) 14 Even 6 Even 10 Even Even, Even, Even
2 (R E W) 1 Odd 5 Odd 9 Odd Odd, Odd, Odd
3 (4 % M) 10 Even 6 Even 7 Odd Even, Even, Odd
4 (3 Q 2) 8 Even 12 Even 16 Even Even, Even, Even

Observing the parity patterns:

  • Option 1: All positions (14, 6, 10) are Even.
  • Option 2: All positions (1, 5, 9) are Odd.
  • Option 3: The positions (10, 6, 7) are Even, Even, and Odd.
  • Option 4: All positions (8, 12, 16) are Even.

It becomes clear that Options 1, 2, and 4 share a common pattern: the positions of the elements in the original sequence are all of the same parity (either all even or all odd). Option 1 and Option 4 have all even positions, while Option 2 has all odd positions. This suggests a group where position parity is consistent within the option.

Option 3 breaks this pattern because its elements are at positions 10 (Even), 6 (Even), and 7 (Odd). The parity is mixed.

Therefore, Option 3 does not belong to the group.

Conclusion on the Odd One Out

By examining the positions of the elements from the original sequence, we found that the pattern for the group is that all three elements in an option must come from positions that are either all even or all odd. Option 3 contains elements from positions 10, 6, and 7, which have mixed parity (Even, Even, Odd). The other options (1, 2, and 4) consist of elements whose positions are all of the same parity.

Thus, Option 3 is the one that does not follow the rule and does not belong to the group.

Revision Table: Sequence Pattern Analysis

Option Elements Positions in Sequence Parity of Positions Belongs to Group?
1 # % 4 14, 6, 10 Even, Even, Even Yes (All Even)
2 R E W 1, 5, 9 Odd, Odd, Odd Yes (All Odd)
3 4 % M 10, 6, 7 Even, Even, Odd No (Mixed Parity)
4 3 Q 2 8, 12, 16 Even, Even, Even Yes (All Even)

Additional Information: Sequence Reasoning Techniques

Sequence-based reasoning questions are common in logical and abstract reasoning tests. They require you to find a hidden pattern or rule within a given sequence of numbers, letters, symbols, or a combination thereof. The pattern can relate to various aspects:

  • Position/Index: The location of elements in the original sequence.
  • Distance/Difference: The number of steps or the mathematical difference between elements or their positions.
  • Type of Element: Categorizing elements (e.g., letter, number, symbol; vowel/consonant; even/odd number).
  • Mathematical Operations: Simple arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) applied to numbers or their positions.
  • Alphabetical/Numerical Order: Patterns based on the standard order of letters or numbers.
  • Combination of Rules: Sometimes, a pattern might involve a mix of the above criteria.

To solve these problems effectively, it's helpful to:

  • Write down the sequence clearly and number the positions.
  • Examine the properties of the elements in the options.
  • Look for differences, sums, ratios, or parities of positions or values.
  • Consider the types of elements involved.
  • Test potential patterns against all options to see which ones fit and which one breaks the rule.

This particular problem demonstrated a pattern based on the parity of the element's position in the source sequence, which is a common technique used in such puzzles.

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Important Questions from Logical Puzzle

  1. Seven persons P, Q, R, S, T, U and V like different watches namely W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6 and W7 (not necessarily in the same order). P and R do not like odd numbered watch. T likes W5. U does not like W2 or W3 or W6 or W7. P likes prime numbered watch. Q likes W4. S likes W2 or W7. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct ?

    I. S likes W7.

    II. R likes W2.

    III. U likes W1.

    IV. V likes W3.

  2. If ‘+’ means ‘×’, ‘×’ means ‘÷’, ‘÷’ means ‘–’ and ‘–’ means ‘+’, then

    16 + 18 × 3 ÷ 6 = ?

  3. In a certain code language, ‘Today is last match’ is written as ‘Sa Te Mo Pt’, ‘Last king like your team’ is written as ‘De Ra Mo Lo Zs’, ‘Our team won today match’ is written as ‘Te Ra Pt Ae We’. What is the code for ‘Our won is Last’ in that code language?

  4. In a certain code language, ‘LETTER’ is written as ‘ZLZYIO’. What is the code for ‘ACTION’ in that code language?

  5. If A denotes ‘+’, B denotes ‘×’, C denotes ‘-’, and D denotes ‘÷’, then what will come in place of ‘?’ in the following equation?

    34 A 15 B 3 C 11 B 2 A (51 D 17) = ?

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