Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 125
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This odd-one-out item checks your ability to compare number-theory properties such as primality, compositeness, and whether a value is a perfect power (like a square or a cube). The goal is to identify the single number that belongs to a distinctly different class from the rest.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The most discriminative checks here are: (1) prime vs composite, and (2) perfect power status.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Check 29: 29 is prime.Check 53: 53 is prime.Check 85: 85 = 5 * 17, so composite but not a perfect square or cube.Check 125: 125 = 5^3, a perfect cube and therefore a special perfect power.Observation: Only one number is a perfect cube (125). The others are not perfect powers.
Verification / Alternative check:
Even if you group by prime vs composite, you get two primes (29, 53) and two composites (85, 125). The cube test uniquely isolates 125.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Learners often stop at prime vs composite and miss the stronger discriminator: perfect power.
Final Answer:
125
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