In this number theory reasoning question, select the odd number from the given alternatives based on whether it is prime or composite.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 33

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This quantitative aptitude question is based on the concept of prime and composite numbers. You are asked to identify which number in the list does not share the same primality property as the others. Recognizing prime numbers is a core skill in number theory and is frequently checked in reasoning and aptitude tests.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The four numbers given are 23, 29, 37, and 33.- All are two digit positive integers.- The test is to see which numbers are prime and which are composite.

Concept / Approach:
A prime number has exactly two distinct positive divisors, 1 and the number itself. A composite number has more than two divisors. The strategy is to check each option for divisibility by small primes such as 2, 3, 5, and 7. If three numbers are prime and one is composite, the composite number will be the odd one out.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check 23. It is not divisible by 2, 3, or 5. It has factors only 1 and 23, so 23 is prime.Step 2: Check 29. It is not divisible by 2, 3, or 5. It has factors only 1 and 29, so 29 is prime.Step 3: Check 37. It is not divisible by 2, 3, or 5. It has only 1 and 37 as factors, so 37 is prime.Step 4: Check 33. It is divisible by 3 because 3 * 11 = 33. Therefore, 33 has more than two factors and is composite.Step 5: Hence, three options are prime numbers, while one option is composite.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can use the digit sum method to quickly test divisibility by 3. The digit sum of 33 is 3 + 3 = 6, which is a multiple of 3, so 33 is divisible by 3 and is composite. The digit sums of 23, 29, and 37 are 5, 11, and 10, none of which are multiples of 3, so they remain candidates for primes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
23: Prime number, so it belongs with 29 and 37.29: Also a prime number.37: Again, a prime number.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may think any number ending with 3 is prime, but this is not always true. For example, 33 and 63 are composite. Always confirm with divisibility tests instead of relying only on the last digit.

Final Answer:
The odd number is 33 because it is composite, while 23, 29, and 37 are prime numbers.

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