Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 33-41
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This numerical odd one out question focuses on the difference between the two numbers in each pair. Many exam questions of this type are based on a constant difference or ratio. By computing the difference for each pair, we can see which pair does not follow the same rule and hence stands out as the odd one.
Given Data / Assumptions:
The pairs given are 52-61, 72-81, 54-63 and 33-41.
The dash is treated as a separator between the first and the second number.
We compute the absolute difference between the two numbers in each pair.
We then compare these differences to identify any consistent pattern.
Concept / Approach:
A simple but powerful approach for such questions is to calculate the difference between the two numbers in each pair. If three pairs share the same difference and one pair has a different difference, the pair that breaks the pattern is the odd one out. This method is quick and relies only on basic subtraction, making it ideal for time bound tests.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For 52-61, the absolute difference is |52 - 61| = 9.
Step 2: For 72-81, the absolute difference is |72 - 81| = 9.
Step 3: For 54-63, the absolute difference is |54 - 63| = 9.
Step 4: For 33-41, the absolute difference is |33 - 41| = 8.
Step 5: Three pairs have a constant difference of 9, whereas one pair has a difference of 8.
Step 6: Therefore, 33-41 does not follow the same constant difference rule as the others and is the odd pair.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, quickly recompute the differences: 61 minus 52 is 9, 81 minus 72 is 9 and 63 minus 54 is 9.
Then check 41 minus 33, which is 8. This clearly breaks the otherwise consistent pattern of 9.
No alternative simple property, such as sums or ratios, produces a cleaner three versus one distinction than these differences do.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
52-61 is not the odd pair because its difference is 9, matching the main pattern.
72-81 is not the odd pair because its difference is also 9.
54-63 is not the odd pair because it continues the difference of 9.
33-41 is the odd pair because its difference is 8 instead of 9.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may attempt to find relationships between the digits of each number instead of checking the simple difference across pairs.
Another pitfall is to perform subtraction incorrectly under time pressure, leading to a wrong identification of the odd pair.
To avoid these pitfalls, always compute differences carefully and double check when you expect a constant pattern.
Final Answer:
The pair whose numbers do not differ by 9 and which is therefore the odd one out is 33-41.
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