In this number trio reasoning question, four groups of three numbers are given: (2, 3, 4), (4, 5, 6), (6, 7, 8) and (4, 6, 8). In each valid group, the second and third numbers should follow a simple pattern based on the first number. Select the odd group that does not follow the same pattern.

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the number series and number relationship category. You are given four groups of three numbers each: (2, 3, 4), (4, 5, 6), (6, 7, 8) and (4, 6, 8). The statement says that in each correct group, the second and third numbers are related to the first number by a logical rule. Three groups follow the same simple rule and one group breaks it. Your task is to identify that odd group.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Number groups: (2, 3, 4), (4, 5, 6), (6, 7, 8) and (4, 6, 8).
• In valid groups, the second and third numbers are directly derived from the first number.
• Exactly one group does not follow the same relationship as the others.
• We assume only simple operations like addition are used.

Concept / Approach:
The natural strategy is to treat the first number in each group as a base and then express the second and third numbers in terms of this base. If three groups share the same pattern, for example second = first + 1 and third = first + 2, while one group fails to satisfy that pattern, then that failing group is the odd one out. We should systematically check each group using this reasoning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine the group (2, 3, 4).Here, second number = 2 + 1 = 3, and third number = 2 + 2 = 4. So the pattern can be written as (n, n + 1, n + 2).Step 2: Examine the group (4, 5, 6).Second number = 4 + 1 = 5, and third number = 4 + 2 = 6. This also fits the pattern (n, n + 1, n + 2).Step 3: Examine the group (6, 7, 8).Second number = 6 + 1 = 7, and third number = 6 + 2 = 8. Again we have the same pattern.Step 4: Examine the group (4, 6, 8).Here, second number = 6, which equals 4 + 2, and third number = 8, which equals 4 + 4. This group does not follow the rule second = first + 1 and third = first + 2.Step 5: Identify the odd group.Only (4, 6, 8) breaks the simple (n, n + 1, n + 2) structure, so it is the odd one out.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can also look at the difference between numbers inside each group. In (2, 3, 4), both successive differences are 1. In (4, 5, 6) and (6, 7, 8), the same happens. However, in (4, 6, 8), the differences are 2 and 2, not 1 and 1. This confirms that the last group is not consistent with the simple consecutive pattern of the others.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(2, 3, 4): Forms consecutive numbers n, n + 1 and n + 2, so it fits the main rule.
(4, 5, 6): Again forms consecutive numbers with the same pattern as the first group.
(6, 7, 8): Continues the idea of three consecutive integers and therefore is not the odd one.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may search for more complicated operations such as multiplication or squaring, which is not needed here. In many exam questions, the intended pattern is very simple, like consecutive integers or basic arithmetic progressions. Always check straightforward relationships first, especially when the numbers are small and close together. Overcomplicating the pattern is a common reason for mistakes in odd one out questions.

Final Answer:
The odd group of numbers is (4, 6, 8), because it does not follow the simple consecutive pattern (n, n + 1, n + 2) that is clearly followed by the other three groups.