NUMBER ANALOGY:
Number analogy is a type of reasoning question that is commonly found in aptitude tests, intelligence tests, and other forms of assessments. It involves identifying the relationship between a set of numbers and using that relationship to find the missing number in a given sequence.
Number analogies are an important aspect of reasoning because they require the test-taker to use critical thinking skills to identify patterns and relationships between numbers. This type of reasoning is essential in everyday life, from budgeting and financial planning to scientific research and technological development.
TYPES OF NUMBER ANALOGY:
To solve a number analogy question, one must first identify the relationship between the given numbers. There are several types of relationships that can exist between numbers, including:
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Addition/Subtraction: In this type of relationship, the next number in the sequence is obtained by adding or subtracting a fixed value to the previous number.
Example: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, __
Solution: The fixed value between each number is 3. Therefore, the missing number is 17 (14 + 3).
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Multiplication/Division: In this type of relationship, the next number in the sequence is obtained by multiplying or dividing the previous number by a fixed value.
Example: 4, 12, 36, 108, __
Solution: The fixed value between each number is 3. Therefore, the missing number is 324 (108 x 3).
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Squares/Cubes: In this type of relationship, the next number in the sequence is obtained by squaring or cubing the previous number.
Example: 1, 4, 9, 16, __
Solution: The next number in the sequence is obtained by squaring the previous number. Therefore, the missing number is 25 (5^2).
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Prime Numbers: In this type of relationship, the next number in the sequence is obtained by adding or subtracting a prime number to the previous number.
Example: 3, 7, 11, 13, __
Solution: The fixed value between each number is a prime number. Therefore, the missing number is 17 (13 + 4).