Three of the following four numbers are alike in a certain way. Choose the one that does not belong to the group.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 6172
Check whether each number is a perfect square.
Option (1) 9216 — \( 96^2 = 9216 \): a perfect square.
Option (2) 6172 — \( 78^2 = 6084 \) and \( 79^2 = 6241 \), so 6172 lies between two squares: not a perfect square.
Option (3) 5184 — \( 72^2 = 5184 \): a perfect square.
Option (4) 2916 — \( 54^2 = 2916 \): a perfect square.
9216, 5184 and 2916 are perfect squares; 6172 is not, so 6172 is the odd one out.