Question 1

In this three digit number permutation question, select the number that does not consist of the same three digits as the others: 358, 853, 538 and 240.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Three digit odd one out questions often depend on permutations of the same set of digits. In such problems, three of the numbers are rearrangements of one another, while a fourth number uses completely different digits. You must identify the number that does not share the same digit set as the others, which tests both digit recognition and simple pattern spotting. Given Data / Assumptions: The numbers given are 358, 853, 538 and 240. We examine the digits used in each number: hundreds, tens and units. The aim is to check which numbers are permutations of the same three digits. Concept / Approach: The approach is to break each number into its component digits and compare the sets. If three numbers are made from the same digits (for example 3, 5 and 8) in different orders, those three belong together. The number that uses a different set of digits becomes the odd one out. This does not require any complex calculation, just careful observation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For 358, the digits are 3, 5 and 8. Step 2: For 853, the digits are 8, 5 and 3, which is simply a different order of the same digits 3, 5 and 8. Step 3: For 538, the digits are 5, 3 and 8, again the same digits 3, 5 and 8 arranged differently. Step 4: For 240, the digits are 2, 4 and 0, which are not the same as 3, 5 and 8. Step 5: Thus 358, 853 and 538 are permutations of the same three digits 3, 5 and 8, whereas 240 has a different set of digits. Therefore 240 is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: We can write each number as a sorted digit set: 358 gives {3,5,8}, 853 gives {3,5,8}, 538 also gives {3,5,8}, and 240 gives {0,2,4}. The first three sets are identical, while the fourth is clearly different. Because the question is about number identity and not about value magnitude, the digit composition is the intended pattern. This confirms that 240 does not match the others. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 358 is wrong as the odd one out because it shares the same digits as 853 and 538. 853 is wrong as the odd one out because it is simply a reorder of 358. 538 is wrong as the odd one out because it uses the same digits as 358 and 853 in another order. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to compare the numerical size of the numbers instead of their composition. Another is to overlook the digit zero in 240 and treat it as if it might be a rearrangement of the others. Carefully listing the digits avoids such confusion. Remember that in permutation based questions, the actual value is less important than which digits appear in the number. Final Answer: The only number that is not a permutation of the digits 3, 5 and 8, and thus the odd one out, is 240.

Question 2

In this general knowledge odd one out question on fuels and chemicals, choose the term that is not a common fuel: Mustard gas, Gasoline, Diesel and Natural gas.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This odd one out question is based on basic general knowledge about fuels and chemicals. Three of the given options are widely used as fuels for vehicles, heating or cooking, while one is a dangerous chemical warfare agent. Distinguishing between everyday energy sources and harmful chemical agents is the key to identifying the odd one out. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are Mustard gas, Gasoline, Diesel and Natural gas. Gasoline is used as a fuel in many vehicles. Diesel is also a fuel for engines and transport. Natural gas is used as a fuel for cooking, heating and power generation. Mustard gas is known as a toxic chemical used in warfare, not as a commercial fuel. Concept / Approach: We classify the given items into two categories: fuels and non fuel chemical agents. If three items are commercially used fuels and one is not, the non fuel item becomes the odd man out. The question relies on general awareness, not on any numerical pattern or scientific formula. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Gasoline (also called petrol) is a refined petroleum product used as a common fuel for cars and motorcycles. Step 2: Diesel is another refined fuel derived from crude oil, widely used in trucks, buses, generators and many heavy vehicles. Step 3: Natural gas is mainly composed of methane and is used as a fuel for cooking, heating and sometimes electricity generation. It is also compressed as CNG for vehicles. Step 4: Mustard gas, however, is not a fuel. It is a toxic chemical warfare agent that causes severe blistering and injury. It is not used for energy or transport, but is known as a harmful weapon. Step 5: Therefore three options are fuels and one is a chemical warfare agent. Mustard gas is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, imagine each item in a practical context. Gasoline, diesel and natural gas are all sold at fuel stations or supplied for heating and cooking. People routinely buy them to run vehicles or appliances. Mustard gas is never sold or used as a fuel in normal life; instead, it is associated with military history and chemical warfare conventions. This real world perspective confirms the classification difference. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Gasoline is wrong as the odd one out because it is a standard fuel used in countless vehicles. Diesel is wrong as the odd one out because it is another widely used fuel for engines and generators. Natural gas is wrong as the odd one out because it is again a common fuel for domestic and industrial purposes. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be misled by the word gas in both Mustard gas and Natural gas and focus only on the physical state rather than the purpose. However, the key difference is between a fuel and a toxic agent. Another trap is to think that all items are gases, but diesel and gasoline are liquids, so this does not give a clear majority pattern. The safest classification in this question is fuel versus weapon. Final Answer: The only option that is a chemical warfare agent rather than a fuel, and therefore the odd one out, is Mustard gas.

Question 3

In this letter pair pattern question, identify the pair that does not follow the same alphabetical distance rule as the others: PD, LE, IC and DB.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This odd one out question uses two letter pairs and expects you to spot a structural difference between them. There are several possible properties to check: distance between letters, order or whether the letters are vowels and consonants. Here, a simple and clear difference arises from the type of letters used in each pair, which is a common pattern in verbal reasoning. Given Data / Assumptions: The letter pairs are PD, LE, IC and DB. We take vowels as A, E, I, O, U and other letters as consonants. We examine the composition of each pair in terms of consonant consonant or consonant vowel. Concept / Approach: The initial observation is that three of the pairs consist entirely of consonants, while one pair has a consonant followed by a vowel. Once we confirm this, we can clearly identify which pair is structurally different. Instead of focusing only on numerical positions, this question relies on vowel consonant classification. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For PD, P is a consonant and D is also a consonant, so PD is a consonant consonant pair. Step 2: For IC, I is a vowel while C is a consonant, making IC a vowel consonant pair. Step 3: For DB, D and B are both consonants, so DB is another consonant consonant pair. Step 4: For LE, L is a consonant and E is a vowel, making LE a consonant vowel pair. Step 5: Among the four options, PD and DB are consonant consonant, IC is vowel consonant, and LE is consonant vowel. The most natural grouping is that PD, IC and DB all end with consonants, whereas LE ends with a vowel. So LE can be taken as the odd one out due to ending in a vowel while others end in consonants. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to see the distinction is to look only at the second letters of each pair. D in PD is a consonant, E in LE is a vowel, C in IC is a consonant and B in DB is a consonant. Thus three pairs (PD, IC and DB) have a consonant in the second position, while LE has a vowel. Therefore LE alone breaks the common pattern of having a consonant as the second letter, which confirms that LE is the odd one out. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PD is wrong as the odd one out because it ends with a consonant, matching the pattern seen in IC and DB. IC is wrong as the odd one out because its second letter C is a consonant, again consistent with PD and DB. DB is wrong as the odd one out because it is another pair whose second letter is a consonant. Common Pitfalls: Students may initially attempt to use alphabet positions and number differences between letters, which can be confusing here. Another mistake is to focus only on whether the first letter is consonant or vowel, which does not create a clear majority. Concentrating on the second letter and noting that three second letters are consonants while one is a vowel reveals the intended pattern quickly. Final Answer: The only pair whose second letter is a vowel rather than a consonant, and hence the odd one out, is LE.

Question 4

In this aptitude odd-man-out question, four numbers are given. Three of them are perfect cubes of integers, while one number is not a perfect cube. Among 125, 512, 1321 and 1728, which number is the odd one out because it is not a perfect cube?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a classic odd-man-out problem from the aptitude section, where you are asked to identify which number does not belong to a group based on a hidden numerical property. Here, the relevant concept is the idea of perfect cubes, that is, numbers which can be written in the form n^3 for some integer n. Such questions test your familiarity with basic powers of integers and your ability to quickly recognize standard cube values commonly used in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: The four numbers given are 125, 512, 1321 and 1728. Exactly three of these numbers are perfect cubes of positive integers. One number is not a perfect cube and must be identified as the odd one out. No additional operations like addition or subtraction are required; the key is to check the cube property of each number directly. Concept / Approach: A perfect cube is any integer that can be written as n^3, where n is an integer. Common cubes that are useful for exams include 2^3 = 8, 3^3 = 27, 4^3 = 64, 5^3 = 125, 6^3 = 216, 7^3 = 343, 8^3 = 512, 10^3 = 1000 and 12^3 = 1728. The strategy is to compare the given numbers with known cube values. If a number exactly matches n^3 for some integer n, then it is a perfect cube. If it does not match any such value, it is not a perfect cube and becomes the odd one out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check 125. We know 5^3 = 5 * 5 * 5 = 125, so 125 is a perfect cube. Step 2: Check 512. We know 8^3 = 8 * 8 * 8 = 512, so 512 is also a perfect cube. Step 3: Check 1728. From standard values, 12^3 = 12 * 12 * 12 = 1728, so this is a perfect cube as well. Step 4: Check 1321. Compare with nearby cubes: 10^3 = 1000, 11^3 = 1331 and 12^3 = 1728. The number 1321 does not match any integer cube value. Step 5: Conclude that 1321 is not a perfect cube, while the other three numbers are perfect cubes of 5, 8 and 12 respectively. Verification / Alternative check: An alternative check is to take cube roots (mentally or approximately). The cube root of 125 is exactly 5, of 512 is exactly 8 and of 1728 is exactly 12. However, the cube root of 1321 lies between 10 and 11 and does not give an integer. Since only perfect cubes have integer cube roots, this confirms that 1321 is not a perfect cube. Therefore, it must be the odd number among the four given options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 125 is 5^3, so it correctly satisfies the perfect cube property and cannot be the odd one out. 512 is 8^3, another standard cube, so it fits well with the common pattern of perfect cubes. 1728 is 12^3, again a perfect cube frequently used in exam questions, so it clearly belongs to the main group. Only 1321 fails to match any integer cube and therefore does not belong with the others. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to confuse squares and cubes, especially when dealing with larger numbers. Some students may only check whether the numbers look familiar instead of verifying their cube roots. Another error is to assume that any number close to a known cube, like 1321 near 1331, might still be considered a cube. In aptitude exams, however, the relationship is exact, so approximate values cannot be treated as perfect cubes. Always verify by relating to known cube values or by checking the approximate cube root. Final Answer: The number that is not a perfect cube and is therefore the odd one out is 1321.

Question 5

In this verbal aptitude odd-man-out question on clothing vocabulary, four garment names are given: Trousers, Shirt, Pants and Shorts. Three of these items are primarily worn on the lower part of the body, whereas one is normally worn on the upper pa…

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Introduction / Context: This problem is a verbal reasoning odd-man-out question focusing on everyday clothing vocabulary. Such questions test your ability to group items based on a logical property, such as usage, category or function. Here, all the options are names of garments, but one of them differs in the part of the body on which it is usually worn. Understanding this context helps you quickly see the relationship among the words and identify the item that does not belong to the main group. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are Trousers, Shirt, Pants and Shorts. All four are common items of clothing. You are expected to find which garment does not fit with the others based on typical usage. Assume normal, everyday meaning of the words in modern English clothing terminology. Concept / Approach: The key idea in this question is categorization of garments based on the part of the body they cover. Trousers, Pants and Shorts are generally worn on the lower part of the body and cover the legs to different extents. A Shirt, on the other hand, is a garment worn on the upper part of the body, covering the torso and often the arms. By grouping items according to whether they are lower-body or upper-body garments, we can identify the odd word. This kind of reasoning is common in aptitude exams where conceptual grouping is more important than any complicated linguistic rule. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine Trousers. They are lower-body garments that cover the legs from waist to ankles. Step 2: Examine Pants. In many contexts, especially American English, Pants also refer to lower-body garments similar to trousers. Step 3: Examine Shorts. Shorts are lower-body garments that cover only part of the legs, usually from the waist to somewhere above the knees. Step 4: Examine Shirt. A Shirt is worn on the upper body, covering the chest, back and often the arms, and is not a lower-body garment. Step 5: Conclude that three options are lower-body garments, while Shirt is an upper-body garment and is therefore the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: Another simple way to verify is to imagine getting dressed. When you think of what you wear below the waist, you might choose trousers, pants or shorts. In contrast, when you think of what you wear above the waist, you think of a shirt. This intuitive check confirms the categorization: three items go into the lower-body group and one item clearly belongs to the upper-body group. That one must be the odd option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Trousers are lower-body garments and belong in the same category as pants and shorts, so they are not odd. Pants are also lower-body garments and fit the main pattern, so they cannot be the odd one. Shorts again are worn on the lower body, so they are similar to trousers and pants and are not the odd word. Shirt is the only upper-body garment, making it the unique and correct odd-man-out choice. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus on the plural or singular form of the words, for example noticing that Shirt is singular while some of the others are often used in plural. However, grammatical number is not the intended logic here. The relevant property is functional use on the body. Another possible distraction is thinking about formal versus casual clothing, but both trousers and shorts can exist in casual or semi-formal forms. Always ask what fundamental property can cleanly group three items together and separate one as different. Final Answer: The odd clothing item, because it is worn on the upper part of the body while the others are lower-body garments, is Shirt.

Question 6

In this letter-based odd-man-out question, four groups of three letters are given: EHK, ZBD, LOR and SVY. In three of these groups, each successive letter is exactly three positions ahead of the previous letter in the English alphabet. Which letter …

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Introduction / Context: This is an alphabet series odd-man-out question from logical reasoning. The options are groups of three letters, and you must detect a consistent positional pattern followed by most groups. Alphabet questions test your ability to map letters to their positions (A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on) and observe differences between consecutive letters. Here, three of the groups follow a neat pattern where each letter is three steps ahead of the previous one. The fourth group breaks this pattern and must be identified as the odd one out. Given Data / Assumptions: Letter groups: EHK, ZBD, LOR and SVY. We consider the English alphabet positions A=1 to Z=26. In three groups, the difference between adjacent letters is constant and equal to +3 positions. The remaining group does not follow this constant-difference rule and is the required odd option. Concept / Approach: The basic approach is to convert each letter into its numeric position in the alphabet and check the step size between consecutive letters. If, for example, E(5) to H(8) is a difference of +3, and H(8) to K(11) is again +3, then this group maintains a constant progression. For an odd-man-out question, you look for the one group where the step pattern changes or becomes inconsistent. In this case, we will pay special attention to whether the group respects a +3, +3 movement throughout. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For EHK, positions are E=5, H=8 and K=11. Differences are 8 - 5 = 3 and 11 - 8 = 3. This group follows +3 and +3. Step 2: For LOR, positions are L=12, O=15 and R=18. Differences are 15 - 12 = 3 and 18 - 15 = 3, so this group also follows +3 and +3. Step 3: For SVY, positions are S=19, V=22 and Y=25. Differences are 22 - 19 = 3 and 25 - 22 = 3, again matching the +3 and +3 pattern. Step 4: For ZBD, positions are Z=26, B=2 and D=4. If we move forward cyclically after Z, then from Z (26) to B (2) is effectively +2 positions (Z to A to B is two steps) or a nonstandard jump, and from B (2) to D (4) is +2. This pair of differences does not match +3 and +3 in a simple linear way. Step 5: Conclude that ZBD does not follow the same +3, +3 pattern as the other three groups, so it is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can also verify visually by writing the alphabet in a row and counting the spaces between letters. E to H and H to K each skip two letters in between, as do L to O and O to R, and S to V and V to Y. That is, each move jumps over exactly two letters. Trying the same idea for ZBD gives an inconsistent jump that does not match the others, confirming that this group is structurally different from the rest. Why Other Options Are Wrong: EHK obeys the rule where each subsequent letter is three alphabet positions ahead of the previous one, so it fits the main pattern. LOR also shows a consistent +3 step between letters and therefore belongs to the majority group. SVY exactly matches the same +3 difference between adjacent letters and is clearly not the odd group. ZBD alone fails to exhibit this clean +3, +3 pattern, making it the only valid odd-man-out choice. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to focus on the shapes or sounds of letters instead of the alphabet positions. Some students may also miscount the cyclical movement around Z and treat it as if it naturally continues, which can be confusing. In exam conditions, always stick to a clear numeric method and compute exact differences. Another pitfall is to assume that any irregular group is correct without checking all groups systematically, which may lead to errors when two or more groups look unusual at first glance. Final Answer: The only letter group that does not follow the constant +3, +3 alphabet pattern is ZBD.

Question 7

In this numerical odd-man-out question, four numbers are given: 10, 20, 15 and 30. Three of these numbers are exact multiples of 10, while one number is not divisible by 10. Which number is the odd one out on the basis of divisibility by 10?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a simple odd-man-out problem involving basic divisibility rules from arithmetic. The numbers 10, 20, 15 and 30 are given, and you are expected to identify which one does not share a common property with the others. In many aptitude tests, divisibility by 2, 5, 10 and similar small numbers is frequently tested. Here, the most relevant concept is divisibility by 10 and recognizing multiples of 10 at a glance based on their last digit. Given Data / Assumptions: The given numbers are 10, 20, 15 and 30. Three of these numbers are exact multiples of 10. One number is not a multiple of 10 and is therefore the odd one out. No advanced operations like squares or cubes are needed; simple divisibility checks are sufficient. Concept / Approach: A number is divisible by 10 if and only if its last digit is 0. Any integer that ends in 0 can be written as 10 * n for some integer n. The strategy in odd-man-out questions is to look for a clear common feature shared by most of the options. Once you spot that three numbers end in 0 and one does not, the decision becomes straightforward. This approach is quick and reliable in competitive exams, where time management is very important. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check 10. It ends in 0, so 10 is equal to 10 * 1 and is a multiple of 10. Step 2: Check 20. It also ends in 0, so 20 is equal to 10 * 2 and is a multiple of 10. Step 3: Check 30. This number ends in 0 as well, so 30 is equal to 10 * 3 and is a multiple of 10. Step 4: Check 15. The last digit is 5, so the number is not divisible by 10. While 15 is a multiple of 5, it is not a multiple of 10. Step 5: Conclude that three numbers (10, 20 and 30) are multiples of 10, but 15 is not. Therefore, 15 is the odd number. Verification / Alternative check: You can also express the numbers as products: 10 = 10 * 1, 20 = 10 * 2 and 30 = 10 * 3, which clearly shows the relationship with 10. When trying to express 15 in the same way, you get 15 = 10 * 1.5, which is not an integer product and therefore shows that 15 is not an exact multiple of 10. This alternative check confirms your earlier conclusion based on the last digit rule. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10 is a standard multiple of 10 and perfectly fits the main pattern of numbers ending in 0, so it is not the odd one out. 20 also ends in 0 and is clearly divisible by 10, so it belongs to the majority group rather than being odd. 30 is another multiple of 10 because it ends in 0, so it shares the same property as 10 and 20 and cannot be the odd option. 15 is the only number that ends in 5 and is not divisible by 10, which makes it different from the others. Common Pitfalls: Some students may get distracted by the fact that 15 is an odd number, while 10, 20 and 30 are even. Although this is true, the more striking and intended pattern here is divisibility by 10. Another mistake is to overthink the problem and look for complicated relationships, when a simple divisibility rule is enough. In time-bound exams, always look for the simplest and most common property that groups most of the options together. Final Answer: The number that is not a multiple of 10 and is therefore the odd one out is 15.

Question 8

In this verbal odd-man-out question on sports-related words, you are given four terms: Football, Basketball, Cricket ball and Volleyball. Three of these words refer to complete team sports, while one mainly names the equipment used in a sport. Which…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a verbal reasoning odd-man-out problem focusing on sports terminology. The four given options are Football, Basketball, Cricket ball and Volleyball. In aptitude exams, such questions test whether you can classify words based on the category they belong to, such as whether they name an activity, an object or a place. Here, three options are the names of sports themselves, whereas one primarily names a piece of sports equipment used in a particular game. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are Football, Basketball, Cricket ball and Volleyball. Football is understood as the sport, not just the ball, in normal usage. Basketball similarly refers to the sport played between two teams on a court. Volleyball is also the name of a sport played across a net. Cricket ball primarily refers to the ball used in the game of cricket, not the game itself. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to separate words that denote sports from those that denote sporting equipment. Football, Basketball and Volleyball are all names of popular team sports played at professional and amateur levels. While each of these sports indeed uses a ball, the word itself is conventionally used to denote the full game. In contrast, the term Cricket ball clearly points to the object, the ball used in cricket, and not to the game of cricket itself. This difference in category makes Cricket ball the odd word among the four. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider Football. In everyday language, Football refers to a complete sport played with two teams trying to score goals. Step 2: Consider Basketball. This term is widely recognized as the name of a sport in which teams score by throwing a ball into a basket. Step 3: Consider Volleyball. This is again the name of a sport where two teams hit a ball over a net. Step 4: Consider Cricket ball. This is not the name of a sport. Instead, it is the specific ball used when playing cricket. Step 5: Conclude that three options name sports, while one names only a piece of equipment. Therefore, Cricket ball is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification is to ask which words you would use if someone asked, “What sport do you play?” You might answer Football, Basketball or Volleyball, but you would not answer Cricket ball. Instead, you would say that you play Cricket. This direct usage check confirms that Cricket ball does not belong to the same category as the other three options. Thus, it is the correct odd-man-out choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Football is the name of an entire sport played with a ball and teams, so it fits the main group and is not odd. Basketball names another team sport and shares the same semantic category as Football and Volleyball, so it is not the odd one. Volleyball is again a complete game, not just a piece of equipment, so it also belongs to the majority group. Cricket ball stands out because it is the name of equipment used in cricket rather than the game itself. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may focus only on the presence of the word ball and get confused, because all four include the idea of a ball in some way. However, what matters is whether the word refers to a sport or only to an object. Another common mistake is to overthink and search for minor differences like indoor versus outdoor sports, but that is not consistent here. Always prioritize clear and fundamental category differences when solving odd-man-out questions. Final Answer: The term that refers primarily to sports equipment rather than a full sport and is therefore the odd one out is Cricket ball.

Question 9

In this numerical odd-man-out question, four numbers are given: 110, 140, 154 and 198. Three of these numbers are divisible by 11, while one number is not a multiple of 11. Which number is the odd one out on the basis of divisibility by 11?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an aptitude odd-man-out question based on divisibility properties of numbers. The numbers 110, 140, 154 and 198 are given, and you must identify which number does not share a particular factor with the others. Specifically, three of the numbers are multiples of 11, while one is not. Questions of this type check how quickly you can recognize common factors and apply basic divisibility rules, which are very important in competitive exams and number reasoning sections. Given Data / Assumptions: The given numbers are 110, 140, 154 and 198. We suspect that a common factor, such as 11, is present in three numbers. Exactly one number is not divisible by 11 and hence is the odd one out. We work only with integer divisibility, not approximate decimal division. Concept / Approach: The main concept here is divisibility by 11. Although there is a specific digit-based rule for 11, in many cases multiplication knowledge is enough. If a number can be expressed as 11 * n for some integer n, then the number is divisible by 11. By factoring each given number or quickly checking division, we can determine which ones are multiples of 11. The odd-man-out is the number that does not have 11 as a factor. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Factor 110. We can write 110 = 11 * 10, so 110 is clearly divisible by 11. Step 2: Factor 154. We can write 154 = 11 * 14, so 154 is also divisible by 11. Step 3: Factor 198. We can write 198 = 11 * 18, which shows that 198 is a multiple of 11. Step 4: Check 140. Attempting 140 / 11 gives 12 remainder 8, which is not an integer. Therefore, 140 is not divisible by 11. Step 5: Conclude that three numbers (110, 154 and 198) are multiples of 11, and 140 is not. Hence 140 is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: As an alternative, you can use the known multiplication table of 11: 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99, 110, 121, 132, 143, 154, 165, 176, 187, 198 and so on. From this list, you can see that 110, 154 and 198 all appear as multiples of 11, but 140 is missing. This confirms the earlier factorization-based conclusion without requiring full long division. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 110 is 11 * 10, so it clearly has 11 as a factor and matches the main pattern, so it is not the odd one. 154 is 11 * 14, another clear multiple of 11, and therefore fits with the majority group. 198 is equal to 11 * 18 and so is also divisible by 11, staying consistent with the key property. 140 alone is not divisible by 11 and therefore does not share the common factor property with the others. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to look for simpler patterns like parity (even or odd) or last digit similarities. In this set all numbers are even, so parity does not help to distinguish any number. Another mistake is to stop after checking just one or two options rather than all four. In exams, it is better to systematically check each number against the suspected factor, especially when the factor is small. Recognizing table patterns, such as the table of 11, can save time and avoid careless errors. Final Answer: The number that is not divisible by 11 and is therefore the odd one out is 140.

Question 10

In this colour-based odd-man-out question from verbal aptitude, you are given four colour names: Cyan, Crimson, Indigo and Sky blue. Three of them are single-word basic colour names, whereas one is a descriptive two-word shade name referring to the …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests verbal reasoning through colour vocabulary in an odd-man-out format. The options are Cyan, Crimson, Indigo and Sky blue. In competitive exams, such questions often rely on your ability to classify words by type, such as basic colours, shades or descriptive phrases. Here, three words are single, basic colour names, and one is a descriptive two-word colour term linked to an object in nature. Given Data / Assumptions: The four options are Cyan, Crimson, Indigo and Sky blue. Cyan is a recognized colour term used in design and printing. Crimson is a deep red colour name. Indigo is a deep blue-violet colour from the spectrum. Sky blue is a descriptive term that refers to the colour of the sky, and is written as two words. Concept / Approach: The main idea is to classify the given terms into basic colour names versus descriptive phrases. Cyan, Crimson and Indigo are single-word colour names commonly treated as independent colours. Sky blue, however, is not just a simple name; it is a two-word phrase that describes a particular shade of blue inspired by the appearance of the sky. This structural and semantic difference makes Sky blue the odd one out, even though all four are related to colours. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine Cyan. It is a single-word colour name, commonly used in printing (as part of the CMYK model). Step 2: Examine Crimson. This is another single-word name representing a strong red shade. Step 3: Examine Indigo. It is also a single-word colour term, often mentioned as a spectral colour between blue and violet. Step 4: Examine Sky blue. This is a two-word phrase and specifically refers to the colour of a clear daytime sky. Step 5: Conclude that three options are single-word basic colour names, while Sky blue is a descriptive two-word shade name, making it the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by thinking of how these words appear in a typical list of colour names. Cyan, Crimson and Indigo usually appear as independent items in colour charts. Sky blue, however, is often listed as a variant or shade of blue, not as a fundamental colour category. This supports the idea that it belongs to a different subcategory. Another quick check is simply to count the words: Cyan, Crimson and Indigo each have one word, whereas Sky blue has two words, which immediately signals a structural difference. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cyan is a single-word basic colour name and therefore belongs with Crimson and Indigo rather than being the odd one. Crimson is also a single-word colour term and fits neatly with the group of simple colour names. Indigo is another single-word colour and stands in the same category as Cyan and Crimson. Sky blue is distinct because it is a descriptive, two-word name representing a specific shade linked to an object (the sky). Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on whether the colours are warm or cool, which does not yield a consistent grouping here. Some candidates may also think about which colours belong to the rainbow, but the set is not constructed strictly from spectral colours. The intended logic is simpler: word structure and basic versus descriptive naming. In odd-man-out questions, it is important not to overcomplicate and instead look for the most straightforward property that groups three items together. Final Answer: The colour term that is structurally different as a descriptive two-word shade name is Sky blue.

Question 11

In this numerical odd-man-out question, four numbers are given: 8, 27, 100 and 125. Three of these numbers are perfect cubes of integers, whereas one number is not a perfect cube. Which number is the odd one out on the basis of the perfect cube prop…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the number reasoning and odd-man-out category. The numbers 8, 27, 100 and 125 are presented, and you must determine which one does not share a common mathematical property with the others. In this case, three of the numbers are perfect cubes of integers, and one is not. Recognizing common cube values is a standard requirement in many aptitude and competitive exams because it helps speed up problem solving in several topics like series, ratios and exponents. Given Data / Assumptions: The given numbers are 8, 27, 100 and 125. We are looking for a property that three numbers share and one lacks. A likely property is being a perfect cube (n^3 for some integer n). Only one number among the four is not a perfect cube and must be chosen as the odd one out. Concept / Approach: A perfect cube is any integer that can be written as n^3, where n is an integer. Common cubes to remember are 2^3 = 8, 3^3 = 27, 4^3 = 64, 5^3 = 125 and so on. The simplest approach in this question is to test each number against known cube values. If three numbers match some n^3 exactly, while one does not, the unmatched number is the odd element. This strategy avoids unnecessary calculations and relies on basic memory of cube values. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check 8. We know that 2^3 = 2 * 2 * 2 = 8, so 8 is a perfect cube. Step 2: Check 27. We know that 3^3 = 3 * 3 * 3 = 27, so 27 is also a perfect cube. Step 3: Check 125. We know that 5^3 = 5 * 5 * 5 = 125, so 125 is a perfect cube as well. Step 4: Check 100. Nearby cubes are 4^3 = 64 and 5^3 = 125. The number 100 does not match any integer cube value between these. Step 5: Conclude that 8, 27 and 125 are perfect cubes, while 100 is not. Therefore, 100 is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, you can also think in terms of cube roots. The cube root of 8 is 2, of 27 is 3 and of 125 is 5, all integers. For 100, the cube root lies between 4 and 5 and is not an integer. Only numbers with integer cube roots are perfect cubes. This second approach confirms that 100 does not share the cube property, reinforcing your earlier conclusion. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 8 is equal to 2^3 and is a standard small perfect cube, so it correctly matches the intended property. 27 is equal to 3^3 and belongs to the same group of perfect cubes as 8 and 125, so it is not the odd one. 125 is equal to 5^3 and again fits the perfect cube pattern, so it cannot be the odd number. 100 does not equal n^3 for any integer n and therefore is the only non-cube in the list. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse squares and cubes, especially with familiar numbers like 100, which is 10^2 (a perfect square) but not a perfect cube. Another pitfall is not remembering enough cube values and trying to guess. It is highly recommended to memorize cubes of integers at least from 1 to 12 for exam purposes. In odd-man-out questions, always check the most common number properties first, such as being a square, cube, prime or composite, before looking for more complicated patterns. Final Answer: The only number that is not a perfect cube and is therefore the odd one out is 100.

Question 12

In this odd-man-out question on word pairs, four pairs are given: Zinc – Metal, Aluminium – Metal, Crocodile – Water and Gold – Metal. Three of these pairs show a relationship between a chemical element and its category as a metal, while one pair sh…

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Introduction / Context: This problem is a verbal odd-man-out question based on word relationships. The four pairs given are Zinc – Metal, Aluminium – Metal, Crocodile – Water and Gold – Metal. In many reasoning exams, such questions check whether you can identify a common relationship pattern and spot the one pair that does not follow it. Here, three pairs represent a chemical element and its classification as a metal, whereas one pair describes an animal and the place where it usually lives. Given Data / Assumptions: Zinc is a chemical element that belongs to the category of metals. Aluminium is also a chemical element categorized as a metal. Gold is a well known precious metal and a chemical element. Crocodile is a reptile and the word Water indicates its common habitat, not its chemical category. Exactly one pair does not match the element–metal pattern. Concept / Approach: The concept used here is relationship classification. Three of the given pairs have the form “element – category” where the category is Metal. Zinc, Aluminium and Gold are all elements of the periodic table, and each is a metal. The fourth pair, Crocodile – Water, shows a different type of relation: “animal – habitat”. While the pair is meaningful, it is not comparable to the element–metal classification used in the other three pairs, and that is why it should be treated as the odd one out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyze Zinc – Metal. Zinc is a chemical element, and its category is Metal, so this pair is of type element–category. Step 2: Analyze Aluminium – Metal. Aluminium is again a chemical element categorized as a metal, matching the same type of relation. Step 3: Analyze Gold – Metal. Gold is a precious chemical element and clearly belongs to the metal category, so this pair is also element–category. Step 4: Analyze Crocodile – Water. Crocodile is a reptile and Water describes the habitat where it spends much of its life, making this an animal–habitat pair instead of element–category. Step 5: Conclude that Crocodile – Water is the only pair that does not relate a chemical element to the category Metal, so it is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, try replacing “Metal” with a different classification word for each of the element pairs. For example, Zinc – Non-metal would be incorrect, as Zinc is a metal by definition. The same applies to Aluminium and Gold. However, if you attempt to fit Crocodile into the same form, it does not work because Crocodile is not an element, and Water is not a classification category like Metal. Instead, Water is the environment in which the animal lives. This difference in the type of connection confirms that Crocodile – Water is fundamentally different from the other three pairs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Zinc – Metal correctly shows that Zinc is classified as a metal, so it fits the main pattern and is not odd. Aluminium – Metal also fits the same element–metal classification, so it belongs to the majority group. Gold – Metal again represents an element and its category and therefore is completely consistent with the key relationship. Crocodile – Water, however, does not involve an element or a metal classification and stands out as an animal–habitat pair instead. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to focus on the idea that both Crocodile and Water are related to nature and therefore might seem to fit with elements, but this mixes different categories of things. Elements and metals belong to chemistry, while crocodiles and water belong to biology and environment. In odd-man-out questions, you should pay attention to the type of relationship, not just the broad topic. Another mistake is to overthink and search for hidden scientific details, when the classification difference is already clear and sufficient. Final Answer: The only pair that does not show an element–metal classification and is therefore the odd one out is Crocodile – Water.

Question 13

In this number-pair odd-man-out question, four pairs are given: 9 – 81, 8 – 64, 6 – 36 and 7 – 47. In three of these pairs, the second number is the exact square of the first number. In which pair is this square relation not satisfied, making it the…

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Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the odd-man-out category involving number pairs. The pairs 9 – 81, 8 – 64, 6 – 36 and 7 – 47 are given. In many aptitude tests, relationships such as squares, cubes and simple multiplications are used to connect two numbers in a pair. Here, three pairs follow a straightforward square relation, where the second number is the square of the first. One pair does not follow this rule and has a mismatched second number. Given Data / Assumptions: The number pairs are: 9 – 81, 8 – 64, 6 – 36 and 7 – 47. For most pairs, we suspect that second = first^2 (square of the first number). Exactly one pair does not satisfy the square relation. We assume simple integer arithmetic with no additional operations. Concept / Approach: The key concept is the square of a number. For any integer n, n^2 is obtained by multiplying the number by itself. If a pair follows the pattern (n, n^2), it means the second number should be exactly equal to n * n. The strategy is to compute the square of the first number in each pair and check whether it equals the second number. The pair that fails this test is the odd one out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the pair 9 – 81. Compute 9^2 = 9 * 9 = 81, which matches the second number. Step 2: Consider the pair 8 – 64. Compute 8^2 = 8 * 8 = 64, which again matches the second number. Step 3: Consider the pair 6 – 36. Compute 6^2 = 6 * 6 = 36, so this pair also follows the square relation. Step 4: Consider the pair 7 – 47. Compute 7^2 = 7 * 7 = 49, but the second number in the pair is 47, not 49. Step 5: Conclude that three pairs have the exact form (n, n^2), while the pair 7 – 47 does not, making it the odd one. Verification / Alternative check: As an alternative, you can mentally recall squares of small integers: 6^2 = 36, 7^2 = 49, 8^2 = 64 and 9^2 = 81. Now match these with the second numbers in each pair. The second numbers 81, 64 and 36 clearly appear in the list of squares, but 47 does not. This confirms that the pair 7 – 47 is inconsistent with the square pattern followed by the others. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 9 – 81 is correct because the second number is 9^2, so this pair fits the pattern and is not the odd one. 8 – 64 is correct because the second number is 8^2, aligning perfectly with the same square relation. 6 – 36 is correct because the second number is 6^2, again matching the intended pattern. 7 – 47 is the only pair where the second number is not equal to 7^2, which should be 49, not 47. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to overlook the exact numeric value and wrongly assume 47 is close enough to 49 to be acceptable. In aptitude questions, the relationships are exact, not approximate. Another mistake is to look for more complex patterns when a simple square relation already fits three of the four options perfectly. Always test for straightforward relations like squares or cubes before considering anything more complicated. Final Answer: The pair that does not follow the square relation and is therefore the odd one out is 7 – 47.

Question 14

In this alphabet-based odd-man-out question, four letter pairs are given: BE, SU, AD and OR. For three of these pairs, the second letter is exactly three positions ahead of the first letter in the English alphabet. Which letter pair is the odd one o…

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Introduction / Context: This problem is an odd-man-out question involving pairs of letters from the English alphabet. The pairs are BE, SU, AD and OR. Logical reasoning questions of this type require you to map letters to their alphabet positions and then observe a consistent difference between the letters in each pair. Here, the underlying pattern is that the second letter is three positions ahead of the first letter in most of the pairs. One pair does not satisfy this condition and must be identified as the odd one out. Given Data / Assumptions: The letter pairs given are BE, SU, AD and OR. We assign numeric positions A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on up to Z=26. In three pairs, the step from the first letter to the second letter is +3 positions. One pair does not obey this +3 rule and is therefore the odd pair. Concept / Approach: To solve this, we convert each letter to its alphabetical position and compute the difference between the second and the first letter. If the difference is consistently equal to 3 in three pairs but not in one, then that exceptional pair is the odd one out. This technique is standard in alphabet reasoning questions and helps quickly identify the underlying pattern without guesswork. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For BE, B is 2 and E is 5. The difference is 5 - 2 = 3, so BE follows a +3 pattern. Step 2: For AD, A is 1 and D is 4. The difference is 4 - 1 = 3, so AD also follows a +3 pattern. Step 3: For OR, O is 15 and R is 18. The difference is 18 - 15 = 3, so OR again follows a +3 pattern. Step 4: For SU, S is 19 and U is 21. The difference is 21 - 19 = 2, not 3. Step 5: Since only SU fails to satisfy the +3 positional difference rule, SU is the odd pair. Verification / Alternative check: You can quickly verify by moving forward in the alphabet. Starting from B, count three letters ahead: C, D, E, so BE matches. From A, counting three ahead gives B, C, D, so AD matches. From O, counting three ahead gives P, Q, R, so OR matches. From S, however, three letters ahead would be V, not U. This confirms that SU does not follow the same movement and is therefore different from the others. Why Other Options Are Wrong: BE is correct under the pattern since the second letter is three positions after the first, so it belongs to the main group. AD also fits perfectly into the +3 rule and is not the odd one out. OR equally follows the pattern where the second letter is three positions ahead of the first, so it cannot be the odd pair. SU alone has a difference of only two positions between its letters and does not match the established +3 pattern. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to focus on the shape or sound of the letters and ignore their positions. Another pitfall is to count the starting letter itself when calculating the difference, which leads to incorrect differences. Always count the steps between letters rather than the number of letters including the starting one. Finally, some candidates may not test all pairs once they see a pattern in two, but it is important to verify that three out of four follow the pattern before deciding on the odd one. Final Answer: The only letter pair that does not follow the constant +3 alphabet pattern is SU.

Question 15

In this odd-man-out question on number triples, four ordered groups of three numbers are given: (13, 26, 39), (15, 30, 45), (17, 34, 51) and (19, 38, 59). In three of these groups, the second and third numbers are exactly 2 times and 3 times the fir…

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Introduction / Context: This question is a numerical odd-man-out problem involving sets of three numbers. The groups given are (13, 26, 39), (15, 30, 45), (17, 34, 51) and (19, 38, 59). In aptitude tests, such triples often follow a simple ratio or multiplier pattern, such as the second number being 2 times the first and the third number being 3 times the first. The task is to recognize the common pattern shared by most triples and then find the one that fails to satisfy it. Given Data / Assumptions: Four groups of three numbers are given: (13, 26, 39), (15, 30, 45), (17, 34, 51) and (19, 38, 59). In three of the groups, the second number is 2 times the first number and the third number is 3 times the first number. In one group, this ratio pattern is broken. Only basic multiplication is needed to test the relationship. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to check the simple ratio 1 : 2 : 3. For a triple (a, b, c) to follow this pattern, b should be equal to 2a and c should be equal to 3a. This makes the triple effectively (a, 2a, 3a). By verifying this for each group, we can see which triple does not respect the relationship. That triple will be the odd one out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For (13, 26, 39), check: 2 * 13 = 26 and 3 * 13 = 39. So this triple follows the 1 : 2 : 3 pattern. Step 2: For (15, 30, 45), check: 2 * 15 = 30 and 3 * 15 = 45. This triple also follows the same 1 : 2 : 3 pattern. Step 3: For (17, 34, 51), check: 2 * 17 = 34 and 3 * 17 = 51. This triple again follows the desired pattern. Step 4: For (19, 38, 59), check: 2 * 19 = 38, which matches the second number, but 3 * 19 = 57, not 59. Step 5: Conclude that only the last triple fails the 1 : 2 : 3 ratio for the third number, making (19, 38, 59) the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify by computing the ratios b/a and c/a for each group. For the first three groups, b/a = 2 and c/a = 3 exactly, but in the fourth group, b/a = 2 is correct, while c/a = 59 / 19 is not equal to 3. This mismatch clearly indicates that the fourth triple does not share the same simple ratio structure as the others. Another quick mental check is to see that 59 is only 2 units larger than 57, which would have been the correct multiple for 3 * 19. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (13, 26, 39) precisely follows the pattern (a, 2a, 3a) with a = 13, so it is not the odd one out. (15, 30, 45) fits the same pattern with a = 15 and matches both 2a and 3a exactly. (17, 34, 51) also respects the 1 : 2 : 3 relationship and belongs to the main group of correctly constructed triples. (19, 38, 59) fails because the third number should have been 57 instead of 59 to conform to the 3 times rule. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to check only whether the second number is twice the first and overlook the relation with the third number. Because the second number in the last triple fits the rule, some candidates may mistakenly assume the whole triple is correct. Always confirm both conditions when dealing with patterns that involve multiple related numbers. Another pitfall is to look for more complicated patterns when a simple multiplicative relationship already explains three of the four options perfectly. Final Answer: The number triple that does not follow the 1 : 2 : 3 multiple pattern is (19, 38, 59).

Question 16

In this verbal odd-man-out question on types of dwellings, the words House, Stable, Hut and Cottage are given. Three of these refer to human living places, while one refers primarily to a shelter for animals. Which word is the odd one out based on t…

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Introduction / Context: This question is a verbal reasoning odd-man-out item focused on the meanings of words related to dwellings and shelters. The options are House, Stable, Hut and Cottage. Odd-man-out questions of this type test your ability to recognize which words belong to the same semantic category and which one belongs to a different category. Here, three words refer mainly to human living places, while one refers to an animal shelter. Given Data / Assumptions: House is a building where people live. Hut is a small, simple dwelling for people, often made of natural materials. Cottage is a small, typically cosy house where people live, often in the countryside. Stable is a building where animals, especially horses, are kept and cared for. The task is to find the one word that does not denote a typical human dwelling. Concept / Approach: The concept required is basic categorization of living spaces. House, Hut and Cottage all refer to places primarily used as homes for humans. A Stable, on the other hand, is built specifically to shelter animals. Even though all four are types of structures, the key difference is whether they are meant for human residence or animal housing. This difference in primary use provides a clear basis for choosing the odd man out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine House. It is a building designed for humans to live in and is clearly a human dwelling. Step 2: Examine Hut. A Hut is a small, simple shelter often used as a home for people, especially in rural or traditional settings. Step 3: Examine Cottage. A Cottage is another small house used for human living, frequently with a cosy or rural feel. Step 4: Examine Stable. A Stable is a building in which horses or other animals are housed and cared for, not humans. Step 5: Conclude that House, Hut and Cottage are human dwellings, while Stable is an animal shelter and therefore the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify your reasoning by imagining the sentence “I live in a …”. It is natural to say “I live in a house”, “I live in a hut” or “I live in a cottage”. However, it would be unusual and incorrect to say “I live in a stable” in the context of normal human housing. This simple language check confirms that Stable belongs to a different semantic category than the other three options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: House is a standard human dwelling and clearly belongs to the main category of places where people live. Hut is also a kind of human dwelling, despite being simple or primitive, so it fits with House and Cottage rather than being odd. Cottage is another type of house for people, often in rural settings, so it belongs firmly in the human dwelling group. Stable stands apart because it is intended for animals rather than humans, making it the correct odd-man-out option. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may be distracted by the size or quality of the building, such as thinking that Hut is different because it is smaller or more basic. However, the question is not about comfort or luxury but about the primary intended occupants. In verbal reasoning, always focus on the most fundamental classification, which here is human dwelling versus animal shelter. Avoid overcomplicating the logic by considering irrelevant details like building material or location. Final Answer: The word that refers to an animal shelter rather than a human dwelling and is therefore the odd one out is Stable.

Question 17

In this alphabet series odd-man-out question, four groups of letters are given: BDGK, JLOS, NPSW and MORU. In three of these groups, the positional differences between consecutive letters follow the pattern +2, +3 and +4. Which letter group is the o…

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Introduction / Context: This problem is an alphabet series odd-man-out question. The four letter groups given are BDGK, JLOS, NPSW and MORU. Alphabet series questions frequently rely on the numeric positions of letters (A=1, B=2 and so on) and the differences between consecutive letters in each group. Here, three groups obey a regular pattern of increasing steps of +2, +3 and +4, whereas one group breaks this rule. The task is to identify which group does not maintain the same sequence of differences. Given Data / Assumptions: The letter groups are BDGK, JLOS, NPSW and MORU. Positions in the alphabet are A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., Z=26. In three groups, the difference between first and second letter is +2, between second and third is +3, and between third and fourth is +4. One group does not follow the +2, +3, +4 pattern and is the odd one out. Concept / Approach: The approach is to convert each letter to its alphabet position and compute differences between consecutive letters. In patterns like +2, +3, +4, each step increases by 1 more than the previous step. By checking each group in detail, we can identify whether the pattern is maintained. The odd group breaks the step pattern in at least one place, which makes it different from the others. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For BDGK, positions are B=2, D=4, G=7 and K=11. Step 2: Compute differences for BDGK: D - B = 4 - 2 = 2, G - D = 7 - 4 = 3, K - G = 11 - 7 = 4. Pattern is +2, +3, +4. Step 3: For JLOS, positions are J=10, L=12, O=15 and S=19. Step 4: Compute differences for JLOS: L - J = 12 - 10 = 2, O - L = 15 - 12 = 3, S - O = 19 - 15 = 4. Pattern is again +2, +3, +4. Step 5: For NPSW, positions are N=14, P=16, S=19 and W=23. Step 6: Compute differences for NPSW: P - N = 16 - 14 = 2, S - P = 19 - 16 = 3, W - S = 23 - 19 = 4. Pattern is +2, +3, +4. Step 7: For MORU, positions are M=13, O=15, R=18 and U=21. Step 8: Compute differences for MORU: O - M = 15 - 13 = 2, R - O = 18 - 15 = 3, U - R = 21 - 18 = 3. Here the pattern is +2, +3, +3, not +2, +3, +4. Step 9: Conclude that MORU is the only group that does not have the +2, +3, +4 progression, so it is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: A quick visual check can also be done by writing the letters of each group on an alphabet line and counting the letters skipped. In BDGK, you skip 1 letter (C) then 2 letters (E, F) then 3 letters (H, I, J). Similarly, JLOS and NPSW show the same increasing skip pattern. In MORU, however, the last jump from R to U does not skip 3 letters but only 2 (S and T), which confirms that it is different. This alternative representation validates the numeric difference method. Why Other Options Are Wrong: BDGK consistently follows the +2, +3, +4 pattern and therefore belongs to the main group of correctly structured letter sequences. JLOS also shows the same increasing step pattern and is not the odd one out. NPSW again follows the identical +2, +3, +4 pattern and must be grouped with BDGK and JLOS. MORU alone breaks the pattern with the final step being only +3 instead of +4, making it the logically odd sequence. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may focus only on the first difference and ignore the rest, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Another frequent mistake is miscounting positions due to forgetting the numeric values of some letters. It is helpful to mentally recall anchor letters like A=1, M=13 and Z=26 to keep track of positions. Also, avoid overcomplicating the pattern; once a simple and consistent explanation fits three options, the remaining one that does not fit is usually the correct odd-man-out answer. Final Answer: The letter group that does not follow the +2, +3, +4 step pattern is MORU.

Question 18

In this numerical odd-man-out question, the numbers 484, 529, 625 and 566 are given. Three of these numbers are perfect squares of integers, while one number is not a perfect square. Which number is the odd one out on the basis of the perfect square…

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Introduction / Context: This question is an odd-man-out problem from the number reasoning section. The options are 484, 529, 625 and 566. Many aptitude questions use the concept of perfect squares and cubes to create patterns. Here, three of the given numbers are perfect squares of integers, while one is not. The task is to identify which number is not a perfect square and therefore does not belong to the main group. Given Data / Assumptions: The numbers given are 484, 529, 625 and 566. A perfect square is any number that can be written as n^2 for some integer n. We assume standard integer arithmetic with no approximations. Exactly one number in the list is not a perfect square. Concept / Approach: To solve this, we recall or compute the squares of nearby integers. For example, 22^2 = 484, 23^2 = 529, 24^2 = 576 and 25^2 = 625. By comparing each option with known square values, we can check which numbers match exactly and which one does not. The number that does not equal any n^2 for integer n is the odd one out. This type of question emphasizes the importance of remembering square values for competitive exams. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Check 484. We know that 22^2 = 22 * 22 = 484, so 484 is a perfect square. Step 2: Check 529. We know that 23^2 = 23 * 23 = 529, so 529 is a perfect square. Step 3: Check 625. We know that 25^2 = 25 * 25 = 625, so 625 is a perfect square. Step 4: Check 566. It lies between 23^2 = 529 and 24^2 = 576 and does not match any standard square value. Step 5: Conclude that 484, 529 and 625 are perfect squares, while 566 is not, making 566 the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: As an alternative, calculate approximate square roots. The square root of 484 is exactly 22, of 529 is exactly 23, and of 625 is exactly 25. These are all integers, confirming that the numbers are perfect squares. For 566, the square root would lie between 23 and 24, but it is not an integer. Only numbers with integer square roots are perfect squares, so 566 fails the test. This second method independently confirms that 566 is not a perfect square. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 484 is a perfect square (22^2), so it matches the main pattern and is not the odd one out. 529 is a perfect square (23^2), so it also clearly belongs to the same group as 484 and 625. 625 is a perfect square (25^2), which again fits the pattern of perfect squares in the list. 566 is not equal to n^2 for any integer n and therefore breaks the pattern, making it the correct odd-man-out choice. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to confuse 566 with 576, which actually is 24^2. The similarity of the digits can mislead candidates who are not careful. Another pitfall is to rely solely on a rough sense of magnitude without verifying the exact value. To avoid such errors, it is very helpful to memorize square values at least up to 25^2. Always check each number against these known values instead of trusting intuition alone. Final Answer: The number that is not a perfect square and is therefore the odd one out is 566.

Question 19

In this vocabulary-based odd-man-out question, four English words are given: Barbarous, Uncivilized, Gentle and Wild. Three of these words have similar meanings related to cruelty or lack of refinement, while one word has an opposite meaning of kind…

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Introduction / Context: This question is a vocabulary odd-man-out problem that focuses on word meanings and synonyms. The four words given in the stem are Barbarous, Uncivilized, Gentle and Wild, and the options A, B, C and D correspond to these words respectively. Such questions are common in verbal ability sections and test whether you can recognize synonyms and antonyms. Here, three words share a rough, harsh or uncivil meaning, while one word expresses a contrasting, soft quality. Given Data / Assumptions: Option A refers to Barbarous. Option B refers to Uncivilized. Option C refers to Gentle. Option D refers to Wild. Barbarous, Uncivilized and Wild describe rough, cruel or uncultured behavior. Gentle describes mild, kind or soft behavior, which is opposite in meaning. Concept / Approach: The concept tested is recognition of synonyms and antonyms. Barbarous suggests cruelty or brutality. Uncivilized suggests lacking culture or refinement. Wild suggests untamed or savage behavior. All three share negative, harsh connotations. Gentle, on the other hand, means kind, mild or tender and carries a positive, soft connotation. Therefore, Gentle is a semantic opposite to the other three and should be treated as the odd word. Since Gentle is associated with option C, option C is the correct choice. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Understand Barbarous. It means cruel, brutal or extremely harsh. Step 2: Understand Uncivilized. It means lacking refinement, culture or politeness, often associated with rough behavior. Step 3: Understand Wild. It means untamed, uncontrolled or savage, also suggesting harshness. Step 4: Understand Gentle. It means kind, soft, mild and considerate. Step 5: Observe that Barbarous, Uncivilized and Wild all share a sense of roughness, cruelty or lack of civility, while Gentle expresses an opposite quality of kindness and softness. Step 6: Map the words to options: A = Barbarous, B = Uncivilized, C = Gentle and D = Wild, and select C as the odd one. Verification / Alternative check: A simple verification method is to try forming synonym groups. Barbarous and Wild can both be used to describe savage behavior. Uncivilized also aligns with the idea of harsh or rough conduct. Gentle does not fit in this group at all and would instead form a group with words like kind, soft, tender or mild. Because it is the only word that does not share the negative or harsh connotation, it must be the odd word. Since option C refers to Gentle, option C is the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (Barbarous) is similar in meaning to Wild and Uncivilized, so it belongs to the main group and is not the odd one out. Option B (Uncivilized) again has a meaning related to rough or uncultured behavior and fits well with Barbarous and Wild. Option D (Wild) also aligns with the idea of being savage or uncontrolled, which is consistent with Barbarous and Uncivilized. Option C (Gentle) is the only one that expresses the opposite idea of softness and kindness and therefore stands out as different. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on the emotional tone of the words and not on their actual meanings, which may lead to confusion between Barbarous and Wild. Another pitfall is not carefully mapping the words in the stem to the options A, B, C and D, which can cause misselection even if you understand the meanings correctly. Always read the full stem and options mapping before answering vocabulary-based odd-man-out questions. Final Answer: The word with opposite meaning to the other three, represented by option C, is Gentle, so the correct choice is C.

Question 20

In this odd-man-out question on number pairs, four pairs are given: 48:134, 40:110, 18:48 and 30:80. In three of these, the second number is obtained from the first by applying the relation 3 × first number − 10. Which option represents the odd pair…

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Introduction / Context: This question is a numerical odd-man-out problem involving pairs of numbers related by a specific arithmetic rule. The pairs given in the stem are 48:134, 40:110, 18:48 and 30:80, and the options A, B, C and D correspond to these pairs respectively. In many aptitude tests, such pair relationships are based on expressions like 2n + k or 3n − k. Here, three pairs follow one consistent rule, while one pair does not. The aim is to identify the mismatched pair. Given Data / Assumptions: Option A represents the pair 48:134. Option B represents the pair 40:110. Option C represents the pair 18:48. Option D represents the pair 30:80. There is a suspected relationship of the form second number = 3 × first number − 10 in three of the pairs. One pair does not satisfy this rule and is the odd one out. Concept / Approach: The core concept is to check a potential linear relationship between the first and second numbers of each pair. We test the expression second = 3 × first − 10 on each pair. If the expression holds for three pairs but fails for one, the failing pair is the odd one. This method is systematic and helps avoid random guessing. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For 48:134, compute 3 × 48 − 10. This equals 144 − 10 = 134, which matches the second number. Step 2: For 40:110, compute 3 × 40 − 10. This equals 120 − 10 = 110, which matches the second number. Step 3: For 30:80, compute 3 × 30 − 10. This equals 90 − 10 = 80, which again matches the second number. Step 4: For 18:48, compute 3 × 18 − 10. This equals 54 − 10 = 44, but the second number is 48, not 44. Step 5: Conclude that the first, second and fourth pairs follow the relation 3n − 10, while the third pair does not. Therefore, option C is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to verify is to rearrange the relation as 3 × first = second + 10 and check if this is an integer equality. For 48:134, we have 3 × 48 = 144 and 134 + 10 = 144, which is true. For 40:110, 3 × 40 = 120 and 110 + 10 = 120, again true. For 30:80, 3 × 30 = 90 and 80 + 10 = 90, which holds. For 18:48, 3 × 18 = 54, but 48 + 10 = 58, which does not match. This clearly confirms that the pair in option C does not satisfy the rule. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (48:134) satisfies the rule second = 3 × first − 10 and therefore belongs to the main consistent group. Option B (40:110) also satisfies second = 3 × first − 10, so it is not the odd one out. Option D (30:80) fits the same pattern, confirming that it belongs with options A and B. Option C (18:48) alone does not match the 3n − 10 relationship and thus is the correct odd-man-out option. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to try random operations or to stop checking once one or two patterns are found. It is important to test the suspected rule across all pairs. Another pitfall is careless multiplication or subtraction, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Always recheck the arithmetic with simple expressions like 3n − 10 or 3n = second + 10 to ensure accuracy. Focusing on a simple linear rule is usually sufficient in such pair-relation questions. Final Answer: The pair that does not follow the relation second = 3 × first − 10 and is therefore the odd one out is represented by option C, that is, 18:48.

Odd Man Out and Series Questions