Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 53
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This analogy revolves around reversing the digits of two digit numbers. In the pair "17 : 71", the second number is obtained by writing the digits of the first number in reverse order. You must apply the same idea to 35 and choose the correct number from the options that reflects this reverse digit relationship. Digit reversal is a common pattern in reasoning questions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In 17, the tens digit is 1 and the units digit is 7. In 71, the tens digit is 7 and the units digit is 1. This shows that the digits have simply swapped positions. No addition or subtraction is involved; it is a positional change. To mirror this pattern, we must reverse the digits of 35 by swapping 3 and 5, which will give 53. That number must be chosen as the correct answer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Write 17 as two digits: tens digit 1 and units digit 7. Observe that 71 has tens digit 7 and units digit 1, so the digits are reversed. Apply the same operation to 35: tens digit 3 and units digit 5. Reverse the order of digits so that the tens digit becomes 5 and the units digit becomes 3. Combine the digits to obtain 53 and choose it from the options.
Verification / Alternative check:
Check whether any other option could plausibly follow from simple reversal. 56 would be formed from 65, not from 35. The number 60 would need a zero as the units digit, which is not present in 35. 69 would need digits 6 and 9; again, they do not match 3 and 5. The number 44 has identical digits and cannot be produced by reversing 35. Thus 53 is the unique number that exactly parallels the transformation applied to 17.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The incorrect options do not maintain the simple digit reversal rule that clearly exists between 17 and 71. They either change the values of the digits or introduce new digits that were not present in the original number. Since an analogy must preserve the type of transformation across both pairs, these choices cannot be correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes test takers look for more complex patterns, like adding a fixed number or reversing and then adding, when the question only requires a basic operation. Another trap is to misread 71 as 17 plus 54 or some other arithmetic relation. Always check whether a simpler explanation such as digit reversal fits the given pair before considering more complicated ideas.
Final Answer:
Following the reverse digit pattern, 35 becomes 53, so the analogy is "17 : 71 :: 35 : 53".
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