In the following question, four options are given, out of which three are alike in a particular way while one is different. Choose the odd one.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 185
Logical Analysis:
To find the "odd one out," we look for a mathematical property that three of the numbers share, which the fourth does not. In this case, the relationship is based on divisibility by 23.
- 161: $23 \times 7 = 161$ (Divisible by 23)
- 253: $23 \times 11 = 253$ (Divisible by 23)
- 299: $23 \times 13 = 299$ (Divisible by 23)
- 185: $23 \times 8 = 184$. Therefore, 185 is not divisible by 23.
Alternative Logic:
Another way to view this is through the factors of the numbers:
- $161 = 7 \times 23$
- $253 = 11 \times 23$
- $299 = 13 \times 23$
- $185 = 5 \times 37$
The numbers 161, 253, and 299 are all multiples of the prime number 23, whereas 185 is a multiple of 5 and 37.