In this number series odd man out question, find the odd number from the list: 4, 6, 12, 30, 81, 315.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 81

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This number classification question provides the set 4, 6, 12, 30, 81 and 315, and asks you to find the odd number out among the options 6, 12, 81 and 315. The trick is to look for a divisibility feature that separates one of these numbers from all the others.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Full set: 4, 6, 12, 30, 81, 315
  • Choice options: 6, 12, 81, 315
  • Exactly one of these options must differ in a clear numeric property from the other numbers in the full set.


Concept / Approach:
The most effective strategy here is to consider divisibility by 2 or 5. Many of the numbers either are even or end in 0 or 5, but one number stands out as being composed purely of a single prime factor. By identifying that special case, we can pinpoint the odd one out.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Factorize each number.4 = 2^2, divisible by 2.6 = 2 * 3, divisible by 2.12 = 2^2 * 3, divisible by 2.30 = 2 * 3 * 5, divisible by 2 and 5.81 = 3^4, not divisible by 2 or 5.315 = 3^2 * 5 * 7, divisible by 5.Step 2: Compare the divisibility pattern.All numbers except 81 are divisible by either 2 or 5, or both. The number 81 is the only one that is not divisible by 2 or 5 and consists only of the prime factor 3.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check divisibility quickly. Even numbers must end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8, and multiples of 5 must end in 0 or 5. Here, 4, 6, 12 and 30 are even. The number 315 ends with 5, so it is divisible by 5. The number 81 ends with 1 and is not divisible by 2 or 5. This confirms that 81 stands out based on basic divisibility rules.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
6: Even and divisible by 2, sharing the key property with several other numbers in the set.
12: Also even and divisible by 2, fitting the main group.
315: Divisible by 5, and although it is odd, it still respects the broader pattern of being divisible by 2 or 5.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may attempt to find an elaborate pattern involving products of consecutive integers or relate the numbers to factorials. While partial patterns can be forced, they usually do not single out exactly one value. The simplest and strongest distinction here is the presence or absence of the factors 2 and 5, which clearly isolates 81 as unique.


Final Answer:
The odd number out among the given options is 81.

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