In the following question, select the odd shape from the alternatives given below. Three options are 2D plane figures, while one option is a 3D solid shape. Identify the odd one out. (A) Square (B) Rectangle (C) Cylinder (D) Triangle (E) Circle

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Cylinder

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This odd-one-out question is based on geometry classification. Shapes can be broadly grouped as 2D (two-dimensional) plane figures or 3D (three-dimensional) solid figures. The odd shape will be the one that belongs to a different dimensional category than the rest.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • 2D shapes have only length and breadth (area) and lie on a plane.
  • 3D shapes have length, breadth, and height (volume) and occupy space.
  • Square, rectangle, triangle, and circle are standard 2D plane figures.
  • Cylinder is a standard 3D solid figure.


Concept / Approach:
Identify whether each option is a plane figure or a solid. If four are plane figures and one is a solid, the solid is the odd one out.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Square: 2D plane figure (has area but no volume). Rectangle: 2D plane figure (has area but no volume). Triangle: 2D plane figure (has area but no volume). Circle: 2D plane figure (has area but no volume). Cylinder: 3D solid (has curved surface and volume; needs height).


Verification / Alternative check:
A simple check is: can the figure hold volume (like a container)? A cylinder can hold volume and has height. A square, rectangle, triangle, and circle do not have height in their basic form; they are flat. Hence cylinder is the only 3D shape and becomes the odd one out.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Square: 2D, matches the plane-figure group. Rectangle: 2D, matches the plane-figure group. Triangle: 2D, matches the plane-figure group. Circle: 2D, matches the plane-figure group.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse 'circle' with 'sphere' or 'cylinder' with 'rectangle' because of the net/unfolded view. Always classify by the actual object, not its cross-section or net. Another pitfall is thinking any shape with curved edges is automatically different; but circle is also curved and still 2D. The correct differentiator here is 2D vs 3D.


Final Answer:
Cylinder

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