Directions: Find the odd man out: 331, 482, 551, 263, 383, 242, 111

### Concept & Digit Multiplication Pattern In some three-digit number series, there is a mathematical relationship between the individual digits. Here, the product of the outer digits equals the middle digit. ### Step-by-Step Solution 1. Let's test the hypothesis: $1\text{st digit} \times 3\text{rd digit} = 2\text{nd digit}$. 2. Check each number: - $331 \rightarrow 3 \times 1 = 3$ (Matches middle digit) - $482 \rightarrow 4 \times 2 = 8$ (Matches middle digit) - $551 \rightarrow 5 \times 1 = 5$ (Matches middle digit) - $263 \rightarrow 2 \times 3 = 6$ (Matches middle digit) - $242 \rightarrow 2 \times 2 = 4$ (Matches middle digit) - $111 \rightarrow 1 \times 1 = 1$ (Matches middle digit) 3. Now evaluate $383$: $3 \times 3 = 9$. The middle digit is $8$, not $9$. 4. Since $383$ violates this internal digit rule, it is the odd man out. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut When you see numbers grouped like this without a clear arithmetic progression, immediately look at the digits. Adding the outer digits or multiplying them to get the middle digit is a very common exam pattern. ### Common Pitfall Attempting to find the difference between these large numbers ($482 - 331 = 151$, etc.) which leads to no coherent pattern and wastes valuable time. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **383**.