Introduction / Context:
This is a digit arrangement odd one out question. You are given four five digit numbers and must identify which one has all digits in strictly descending order, while the others do not. Such questions test pattern recognition and visual observation skills in the context of number sequences.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The numbers are 67559, 45189, 56341 and 54321.
- We examine the order of digits from left to right.
- The pattern relates to whether the digits form a strictly descending series.
Concept / Approach:The approach is to check for monotonic order of digits. Strictly descending order means each digit must be smaller than the digit before it, with no equal digits and no reversals. If only one number satisfies this property, that number is the odd one out in terms of pattern, even though in context it appears special or unique compared to the others.
Step-by-Step Solution:Step 1: For 67559, the digits are 6, 7, 5, 5 and 9. The order is not strictly descending, since 7 is greater than 6 and there are equal digits 5, 5 and then an increase to 9.Step 2: For 45189, the digits are 4, 5, 1, 8 and 9. The sequence goes up from 4 to 5, down to 1, up to 8 and up again to 9, so there is no simple descending order.Step 3: For 56341, the digits are 5, 6, 3, 4 and 1. The pattern oscillates and does not move in one consistent descending direction.Step 4: For 54321, the digits are 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1. Each digit is exactly one less than the previous digit, so the sequence is strictly descending.Step 5: Since only 54321 has digits in perfect descending order, it is the odd one out when compared to the other three, which have mixed or irregular digit patterns.Verification / Alternative check:A quick visual scan confirms that 54321 reads as a neat countdown from 5 to 1, something the other numbers do not replicate. You can also count differences: for 54321, every step is a -1 change. No other number shows such a simple and consistent pattern, confirming 54321 as the unique case.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:67559 is not the odd one out because its digits are neither strictly increasing nor strictly decreasing, and the pattern is irregular.45189 also has a mixed pattern with rises and falls, making it similar in irregularity to 67559 and 56341.56341 again shows no strict descending order, so it belongs with the irregular patterns rather than standing apart.
Common Pitfalls:Some learners might incorrectly think of the odd one out as any number with repeated digits or a particular digit combination. However, the key is to focus on the order of digits. Another pitfall is scanning too quickly and missing subtle changes in direction. Slow, methodical checking of each transition between digits helps avoid such errors.
Final Answer:The only number whose digits are arranged in a strictly descending sequence is
54321, so 54321 is the odd one out.
Discussion & Comments