In the number analogy "14 : 16 :: 22 : ____", which number completes the same +2 pattern?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy tests your ability to identify a simple arithmetic relationship between two numbers and then apply that same relationship to a new number. In "14 : 16", the second number is clearly related to the first by a small addition. You must recognise that pattern and use it to determine the correct partner for 22 from the given options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First pair: 14 is related to 16.
• Second pair: 22 is related to an unknown number.
• Options: 26, 29, 24, 28 and 23.
• We expect a straightforward rule such as adding a fixed number.

Concept / Approach:
Find the difference between the numbers in the first pair. Subtract 14 from 16 to see how much has been added. The result is 2, so the rule is "add 2 to the first number to obtain the second number". To preserve the analogy, the same addition must be applied to 22. Therefore, you add 2 to 22, which gives 24. That value should then be chosen from the options as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute the difference: 16 - 14 = 2. Recognise the pattern: second number = first number + 2. Apply this rule to the new number: 22 + 2 = 24. Check whether 24 is present among the answer options. Select 24 as the number that maintains the same relationship.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test other options briefly. If we chose 26, that would imply adding 4 to 22. However, 14 plus 4 is 18, not 16, so the pattern would change. Similarly, choosing 28 or 29 would involve adding 6 or 7, which again does not match the first pair. Option 23 corresponds to adding 1, which also does not agree with the original +2 pattern. Thus, 24 is the only number that satisfies the consistent rule for both pairs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
All other options require different increments from 22, which would break the single fixed rule required in an analogy. The question is designed to be solved with a simple addition pattern, so introducing larger or smaller increments makes the pairs inconsistent. Therefore, only 24 keeps the logic of the first pair intact.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may overthink such questions and look for complex operations like squaring, halving or adding multiple steps. However, in many basic analogies the relationship is a simple addition or subtraction. Always check for small changes first before trying complicated patterns.

Final Answer:
Using the rule "add 2 to the first number", 14 maps to 16 and 22 maps to 24. So the analogy is "14 : 16 :: 22 : 24".