Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 27
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a number-analogy pattern. Each triplet a (b) c embeds a middle number b derived from outer numbers a and c via a consistent rule.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Look for the simplest consistent relation between the outer numbers and the middle: sum, difference, product, digit operations, etc. Testing c − a on the complete triplets quickly fits both known cases.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Check that no simpler competing rule (like a + c, a × c, digit sums) matches both complete rows; difference c − a uniquely fits both, so it is the intended relation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
23, 33, and 37 do not equal 56 − 29 and would break the pattern that holds in the two confirmed triplets.
Common Pitfalls:
Overfitting with complex digit manipulations when a straightforward linear relation works across all given examples.
Final Answer:
27.
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