SSC CGL Tier 1 2013 General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The proverb a friend in need is a friend indeed defines the quality of true friendship based on the support provided during difficult times. Conclusion I is an overgeneralization that refers to the behavior of all people during good times, a subject that the original statement does not address or imply. The statement focuses on identifying a true friend, not on the conduct of the general population during prosperity. Conclusion II introduces the concept of enemies, which is outside the scope of the given premise. The statement specifies a condition for being a true friend but does not define what constitutes an enemy or provide a basis for categorizing people who do not help during bad times. Because neither conclusion can be logically derived from the information provided in the statement, both are invalid.

Explanation

The relationship in the first pair follows a simple subtraction pattern where the second number is obtained by subtracting 2 from the first number. Specifically, 9 - 2 = 7. Applying the same logic to the second pair, we subtract 2 from 80 to find the missing term: 80 - 2 = 78. This numerical analogy maintains a consistent mathematical operation across both sets of numbers.

Explanation

The relationship between the first pair of words is based on synonymy. Defer means to delay or postpone an action or event to a later time, which is exactly what the phrasal verb put off signifies. Following this same logic, deduce means to arrive at a logical conclusion or to reach a factual understanding through reasoning and evidence. Infer is a synonym for deduce, as it also refers to the process of deriving a conclusion from facts or premises rather than from explicit statements.

Explanation

The analogy represents the primary respiratory organ of the organisms. Just as fish use gills for respiration, humans use lungs to breathe.

Explanation

The relationship between the terms is based on a constant shift in the alphabetical position of each letter. Every letter in the first word is replaced by the letter that appears six positions ahead of it in the English alphabet.

For the word CARD: C(3) + 6 = 9 → I A(1) + 6 = 7 → G R(18) + 6 = 24 → X D(4) + 6 = 10 → J

Applying this same logic to the word POST: P(16) + 6 = 22 → V O(15) + 6 = 21 → U S(19) + 6 = 25 → Y T(20) + 6 = 26 → Z

Explanation

The given letter series is a_ b abba_ abb a_ ba. To find the completing set of letters, we divide the series into groups of four or three to identify a repeating or alternating pattern.

By dividing the series into groups of four and assuming a sixteenth character at the end (a common structure in such 15-character problems), we get: a _ b a | b b a _ | a b b a | _ b a _

Applying the set of letters abab from option (a) into the gaps sequentially: The first letter a goes into the first gap: a (a) b a The second letter b goes into the second gap: b b a (b) The third letter a goes into the third gap: a b b a The fourth letter b goes into the fourth gap: (a) b a (b) (Note: Depending on the transcription, the fourth gap may be placed differently, but this alignment reveals a consistent logical structure).

This results in the sequence: aaba | bbab | abba | abab

The logic follows a symmetry in the distribution of the letters a and b within each block of four: Block 1: aaba (three a's and one b) Block 2: bbab (three b's and one a) Block 3: abba (two a's and two b's) Block 4: abab (two a's and two b's)

Alternatively, if we treat the series as triplets: a (a) b | a b b | a (b) a | b b a | (a) b a | (b) This creates an alternating pattern of triplets containing two of one letter and one of the other: aab (2a, 1b) -> abb (1a, 2b) -> aba (2a, 1b) -> bba (1a, 2b) -> aba (2a, 1b) -> bab (1a, 2b)

In both logical frameworks, the sequential placement of a, b, a, b completes a consistent pattern within the series.

Explanation

The given series consists of a repeating four-letter pattern, which is identified by comparing the four distinct groups: AZB_, AZ_Y, A_BY, and ZBY. Each group contains three out of the four letters from the set A, Z, B, and Y in the same relative positions. In the first group AZB, the fourth letter is missing, which is Y. In the second group AZ_Y, the third letter is missing, which is B. In the third group A_BY, the second letter is missing, which is Z. In the fourth group _ZBY, the first letter is missing, which is A. By sequentially placing these missing letters into the gaps, we obtain the sequence YBZA.

Explanation

The given series follows a pattern where consecutive odd numbers are subtracted from each term to obtain the next term. Starting with 102, the subtractions are 102 - 1 = 101, 101 - 3 = 98, 98 - 5 = 93, and 93 - 7 = 86. Continuing this logic, the next difference must be the next odd number, which is 9. Therefore, the term following 86 should be 86 - 9 = 77. The number 74 is provided in the sequence instead of 77. Using the correct value 77, the next steps are 77 - 11 = 66 and 66 - 13 = 53, which matches the rest of the given sequence perfectly. This confirms that 74 is the incorrect term.

Explanation

The relationship between Principal and School is that of an administrative head and the institution they lead. A Principal is the singular individual in charge of a school. In the other pairs, the second term acts as a collective noun or a specific housing unit for a group of the individuals mentioned. For example, a troupe is a collective of artists and a chorus is a collective of singers. A school is not a collective grouping of principals, distinguishing this pair from the others which focus on plural collections or clusters.

Explanation

The word detach is the odd one out because it means to separate, disconnect, or unfasten something from a larger object or group. While the other three words share a common meaning related to joining, connecting, or sticking things together, detach represents the opposite action of separation. Therefore, it is semantically different from the rest of the group.

Explanation

The numerical value for each word is formed by concatenating the positional values of its letters in the English alphabet, where A = 1, B = 2, …, Z = 26. For the word Hub, the positions are H = 8, U = 21, and B = 2. Following the pattern, these values should combine to form the number 8212. However, the value provided in the option is 82110, making it the odd one out.

Explanation

In the pair 97,9, the difference between the tens digit and the units digit of the first number is 9 - 7 = 2. This distinguishes it from the other responses where the second number is the tens digit of the first number, and the units digit is consistently 3 less than the tens digit. For instance, in the other pairs, the subtraction of the units digit from the tens digit results in 3 (7 - 4 = 3, 4 - 1 = 3, and 6 - 3 = 3).

Explanation

The pattern in the set {1, 5, 12} is defined by two mathematical relationships. First, the difference between the second and first terms is 5 - 1 = 4. Second, the third term is calculated as twice the sum of the first two terms, which follows the formula z = 2(x + y). Substituting the values, we get 2(1 + 5) = 2 × 6 = 12. Applying the same logic to the set {4, 8, 24}, the difference between the first two terms is 8 - 4 = 4, and the third term is derived as 2(4 + 8) = 2 × 12 = 24.

Explanation

The series follows a distinct alphabetical pattern for each of the four positions in the terms. For the first letter, the sequence moves forward by two steps in the alphabet: E (+2) yields G, G (+2) yields I, I (+2) yields K, and K (+2) yields M. The second letter remains constant as L throughout the entire series. For the third letter, the sequence also moves forward by two steps: F (+2) yields H, H (+2) yields J, J (+2) yields L, and L (+2) yields N. The fourth letter remains constant as A in every term. By applying these positional rules, the missing term is determined to be KLLA.

Explanation

The terms in the series are generated by the formula n²(n-1) starting from n = 2. Substituting the values for each position in the sequence yields the following results:

For the first term where n = 2: 2² × (2 - 1) = 4 × 1 = 4 For the second term where n = 3: 3² × (3 - 1) = 9 × 2 = 18 For the third term where n = 4: 4² × (4 - 1) = 16 × 3 = 48 For the missing fourth term where n = 5: 5² × (5 - 1) = 25 × 4 = 100 For the final term where n = 6: 6² × (6 - 1) = 36 × 5 = 180

Explanation

The sequence is formed by groups of three consecutive letters where each corresponding letter in the next group is shifted forward by 4 positions in the English alphabet. For the first letters, the progression is F (6), J (10), N (14), and R (18), which follows a constant difference of +4. For the second letters, the progression is G (7), K (11), O (15), and S (19), also maintaining a difference of +4. Following this consistent pattern for the third letter in each group, the sequence progresses from H (8) to L (12) and then to P (16). By adding 4 to the position of P (16), we obtain the 20th letter of the alphabet, which is T.

Explanation

The sequence is formed by interleaving two separate sub-sequences for both the letters and the numbers.

For the letters, the pattern alternates between the beginning and the end of the alphabet. The letters at the odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th) are b, c, and d, which are the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th letters from the start. The letters at the even positions (2nd, 4th, 6th) are y and x, which are the 2nd and 3rd letters from the end. Therefore, the next letter in the even-positioned sub-sequence must be the 4th letter from the end of the alphabet, which is w.

For the numbers, we apply a similar alternating analysis. The numbers at the odd positions are 0, 8, and 24. The difference between the first and second terms is 8, and the difference between the second and third terms is 16. This shows a pattern where the increment doubles (8 × 2 = 16). The numbers at the even positions are 3 and 15. The difference between these two numbers is 15 - 3 = 12. Following the established doubling logic, the next increment in the even series should be 12 × 2 = 24. Adding this increment to the last number in the sub-sequence gives 15 + 24 = 39. Combining the letter and number results in the final term w-39.

Explanation

The sum of the ages is determined by the formula Sum = Average × n, where n is the number of individuals. Substituting the given values, the total sum of their ages is 22 × 2 = 44 years. The ratio of the father's age to the son's age is 10:1, which implies the total age is divided into 11 equal parts (10 + 1). The son's age corresponds to exactly 1 part of this total. By dividing the total sum by the sum of the ratio components, the son's age is calculated as 44 × ¹⁄₁₁ = 4 years.

Explanation

Let Salim's age be represented by x. According to the information provided: Smith is two years older than Salim, so Smith's age is x + 2. Veni is one year older than Smith, so Veni's age is (x + 2) + 1 = x + 3. Raju is one year older than Salim, so Raju's age is x + 1. Comparing the ages, we have Veni (x + 3) > Smith (x + 2) > Raju (x + 1) > Salim (x). The smallest value is x, which corresponds to Salim.

Explanation

Let the starting point be at coordinates (0, 0) on a Cartesian plane where North is the positive y-axis and East is the positive x-axis. Rachel first walks 15 metres North to (0, 15). She then turns South and walks 20 metres, which brings her to (0, 15 - 20) = (0, -5). Next, she walks 10 metres East, moving her to (10, -5). Finally, she walks 5 metres North, reaching (10, -5 + 5) = (10, 0).

The distance from the starting point (0, 0) to the final point (10, 0) is calculated using the distance formula √((x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²), which gives √((10 - 0)² + (0 - 0)²) = 10 metres. Since her final x-coordinate is positive and her y-coordinate is zero relative to the origin, she is exactly 10 metres to the East of her starting point.

Explanation

The word GENERATE cannot be formed from HETEROGENOUS because it requires the letter A, which is entirely absent from the parent word. HETEROGENOUS contains only the letters H, E, T, R, O, G, N, U, and S. Without the letter A, the word GENERATE cannot be constructed regardless of the availability of the other letters.

Explanation

The word QUAINT cannot be formed because it contains the letter T, which is not present in the given word UNEQUIVOCAL. The available letters in UNEQUIVOCAL are U, N, E, Q, I, V, O, C, A, and L. Since the required letter T is missing from the source word, QUAINT cannot be constructed.

Explanation

The given letters Y, M, L, O, S, B, C, and I correspond to the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively. These letters can be unscrambled to form the meaningful English word SYMBOLIC. By identifying the position of each letter in the word and its associated number, the sequence is determined as follows: S is 5, Y is 1, M is 2, B is 6, O is 4, L is 3, I is 8, and C is 7. Following this order, the numerical arrangement for the word SYMBOLIC is 51264387.

Explanation

The coding logic involves identifying the position of each letter in the standard English alphabet (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26) and multiplying that numerical value by 2. For the word LONDON, the positions are L=12, O=15, N=14, D=4, O=15, and N=14. Multiplying each by 2 gives 12 × 2 = 24, 15 × 2 = 30, 14 × 2 = 28, 4 × 2 = 8, 15 × 2 = 30, and 14 × 2 = 28, resulting in the code 24-30-28-8-30-28.

Applying this same logic to the word FRANCE, the alphabet positions are F=6, R=18, A=1, N=14, C=3, and E=5. Multiplying these values by 2 yields 6 × 2 = 12, 18 × 2 = 36, 1 × 2 = 2, 14 × 2 = 28, 3 × 2 = 6, and 5 × 2 = 10. Therefore, the code for FRANCE is 12-36-2-28-6-10.

Explanation

The letters of the alphabet are assigned values based on the sequence of odd numbers. This relationship can be expressed by the formula V = 2n - 1, where n is the standard position of the letter in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26). To find the total value for the word HOTEL, we first identify the alphabetical positions: H=8, O=15, T=20, E=5, and L=12.

The individual odd values for these letters are H = 2(8) - 1 = 15, O = 2(15) - 1 = 29, T = 2(20) - 1 = 39, E = 2(5) - 1 = 9, and L = 2(12) - 1 = 23. Adding these values together gives 15 + 29 + 39 + 9 + 23 = 115.

A more efficient calculation method is to sum the alphabetical positions first and then adjust for the odd number mapping. The sum of the positions for HOTEL is 8 + 15 + 20 + 5 + 12 = 60. For a word with k letters, the total odd value is 2 × (sum of positions) - k. Applying this to HOTEL, where k=5 letters are involved, we get 2(60) - 5 = 120 - 5 = 115.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a simple reversal of the sequence of letters in the given word. In the example provided, the word MAARK is written from back to front, where the last letter K becomes the first, R becomes the second, the two A's follow, and the first letter M becomes the last, resulting in KRAAM. Applying this same pattern to the word PASSI, the letters are rearranged in reverse order starting from the last letter I, followed by S, S, A, and finally the first letter P. This reversal process yields the code ISSAP.

Explanation

The mathematical operation in this puzzle is defined by multiplying the product of the digits of the first number with the product of the digits of the second number.

For the expression 29 × 48 = 576, the product of the digits of the first number is 2 × 9 = 18 and the product of the digits of the second number is 4 × 8 = 32. Multiplying these intermediate results together gives 18 × 32 = 576.

For the expression 35 × 16 = 90, the digits of the first number give 3 × 5 = 15 and the digits of the second number give 1 × 6 = 6. Multiplying these gives 15 × 6 = 90.

For the expression 22 × 46 = 96, the digits of the first number give 2 × 2 = 4 and the digits of the second number give 4 × 6 = 24. Multiplying these gives 4 × 24 = 96.

Applying this logic to the final expression 42 × 17: The product of the digits of the first number is 4 × 2 = 8. The product of the digits of the second number is 1 × 7 = 7. The final result is obtained by multiplying these two products: 8 × 7 = 56.

Explanation

The expression 12P6M15T16B4 is solved by substituting the letters with their respective mathematical operators: P represents ×, M represents +, T represents -, and B represents ÷.

Substituting these into the expression gives: 12 × 6 + 15 - 16 ÷ 4

According to the BODMAS rule, operations must be performed in the order of Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.

First, perform the division: 16 ÷ 4 = 4 The expression becomes: 12 × 6 + 15 - 4

Next, perform the multiplication: 12 × 6 = 72 The expression becomes: 72 + 15 - 4

Finally, perform addition and subtraction from left to right: 72 + 15 = 87 87 - 4 = 83

Explanation

The given symbols are defined as follows: + means >, Φ means ≤, - means ≥, × means =, l means <, and L means ≠.

The expression A ∥ B × C (where ∥ denotes the less than symbol l) provides two relationships: A < B and B = C.

From B = C, it can be logically inferred that C ≥ B is true, as the not less than relation (-) includes the equality case. From A < B, it follows that B > A, which is represented by the greater than symbol (+).

Combining these inferences, we get C ≥ B and B > A. In the given notation, this is expressed as C - B + A. Therefore, option b is the logically correct statement derived from the given conditions.

Explanation

The given premises can be translated into mathematical inequalities using the provided symbols: A (≤), B (=), C (<), D (≥), E (≠), and F (>). The first premise (2 M B N) translates to 2M = N. The second premise (2N A 3K) translates to 2N ≤ 3K.

By substituting the value of N from the first premise into the second, we get 2(2M) ≤ 3K, which simplifies to 4M ≤ 3K. Assuming M and K are positive values, if 4M is less than or equal to 3K, then 2M (which is half of 4M) must be strictly less than 3K. This relationship is represented as 2M < 3K. Since the symbol C stands for less than, the correct inference is 2M C 3K.

Explanation

The sequence follows a pattern based on the differences between consecutive terms. Calculating the differences between the given numbers:

115 - 95 = 20 145 - 115 = 30 155 - 145 = 10

The differences between the terms are 20, 30, and 10. This set of differences forms a repeating periodic cycle. According to this pattern, the next difference to be added to the last term is 20.

Missing number = 155 + 20 = 175

Explanation

The series follows a specific recursive pattern where each term is twice the preceding term plus an incrementally increasing constant. The general rule for the n-th term aₙ based on the previous term aₙ₋₁ is aₙ = (aₙ₋₁ × 2) + (n-1), where n is the position of the term in the sequence.

Applying this rule: The second term is (1 × 2) + 1 = 3 The third term is (3 × 2) + 2 = 8 The fourth term is (8 × 2) + 3 = 19 The fifth term is (19 × 2) + 4 = 42 The sixth term is (42 × 2) + 5 = 84 + 5 = 89

Alternatively, looking at the differences between consecutive terms: 3 - 1 = 2 8 - 3 = 5 19 - 8 = 11 42 - 19 = 23

The pattern of these differences is dₙ = (dₙ₋₁ × 2) + 1. Following this, the next difference is (23 × 2) + 1 = 47. Adding this difference to the last known term gives 42 + 47 = 89.

Explanation

Let the starting point be (0, 0) on a Cartesian plane. Rohan first walks 3 km North, reaching the point (0, 3). He then turns left, which is West, and walks 2 km to reach the point (-2, 3). From there, he turns left again, which is South, and walks 3 km, bringing him to the point (-2, 0). Finally, he turns left once more, which is East, and walks 3 km. Moving 3 km East from (-2, 0) puts him at the point (1, 0). The distance between the starting point (0, 0) and the final point (1, 0) is calculated as √((1-0)² + (0-0)²) = 1 km.

Explanation

Starting from point X, the primary direction of travel for Santa is North, and for Rani is West. Although both individuals make two subsequent turns, the phrase walked a few steps indicates that these secondary displacements are much smaller than the initial distances travelled.

For Santa, the path consists of going North, turning left to face West, and turning left again to face South. Since the Northbound leg is the longest, his final position remains in the North direction relative to the starting point X.

For Rani, the path consists of going West, turning left to face South, and turning left again to face East. Since the Westbound leg is the longest, her final position remains in the West direction relative to the starting point X.

With respect to the starting point X, the set of directions for Santa and Rani is North and West.

Explanation

The provided statements use a simile to compare the properties of knowledge to those of water. Statement 1 notes that water lacks a fixed shape but possesses volume, while Statement 2 asserts that knowledge flows from one side to another just like water. The movement of knowledge from one side to another implies that it is not restricted by rigid boundaries or isolated compartments, which logically supports Conclusion 1 that knowledge is interdisciplinary. This flow suggests a transition across different fields and domains of thought. Furthermore, the analogy of knowledge as a fluid with volume that flows suggests an immersive quality. Just as water exerts pressure and fills the depths of its container, the flow of knowledge permeates the cognitive space it occupies. This characteristic indicates that knowledge does not remain on the surface but penetrates and influences the core of mental activity directly, supporting Conclusion 3.

Explanation

The second statement establishes that there is an intersection between the sets of beautiful people and honest people. The third statement asserts that the set of honest people is a subset of the set of sensitive's. Because there are individuals who are both beautiful and honest, and all such honest individuals are necessarily sensitive's, there must be individuals who are both beautiful and sensitive's. Thus, Conclusion 1 is logically certain. Conclusions 2 and 3 involve the relationship between ladies and the sets of honest or sensitive's individuals. The first statement only links ladies with beautiful people, and since there is no universal statement connecting beautiful people to honest or sensitive's groups, no definite relationship can be established between ladies and those two categories. Only the first conclusion is supported by the given premises.

Explanation

The relationship in this analogy is between an official supervisor and the activity they regulate. An umpire is the individual responsible for overseeing a game, enforcing the rules, and ensuring fair play between participants. Similarly, a moderator is the individual responsible for supervising a debate, ensuring that participants follow the established rules, manage their time effectively, and maintain a civil discourse. In both cases, the first term represents the person who maintains order and neutrality within the event described by the second term.

Explanation

The relationship between the first and second terms is established by shifting each letter of the first word two positions backward in the alphabetical order. For the pair HCM to FAK, the mapping is H - 2 = F, C - 2 = A, and M - 2 = K.

Following the same logic for the third term SGD, we apply a shift of minus two to each letter. S is the 19th letter, and 19 - 2 = 17, which is Q. G is the 7th letter, and 7 - 2 = 5, which is E. D is the 4th letter, and 4 - 2 = 2, which is B. This results in the sequence QEB.

Explanation

The relationship between FILM and ADGH is established by shifting each letter backward by 5 positions in the alphabetical sequence. In the first word, the positions are F(6), I(9), L(12), and M(13). Subtracting 5 from each yields 1, 4, 7, and 8, which correspond to the letters A, D, G, and H respectively.

Applying the same logic to the word MILK: M is the 13th letter, and 13 - 5 = 8, which is H. I is the 9th letter, and 9 - 5 = 4, which is D. L is the 12th letter, and 12 - 5 = 7, which is G. K is the 11th letter, and 11 - 5 = 6, which is F.

Following this pattern, the resulting code for MILK is HDGF.

Explanation

The relationship between the first two terms is established by adding an increasing sequence of integers to the numerical position of each letter in the English alphabet. For the first pair AHOP:CKSU, the transformation is: A (1) + 2 = C (3) H (8) + 3 = K (11) O (15) + 4 = S (19) P (16) + 5 = U (21)

Applying this same pattern of +2, +3, +4, and +5 to the letters of BJMF gives: B (2) + 2 = D (4) J (10) + 3 = M (13) M (13) + 4 = Q (17) F (6) + 5 = K (11)

The resulting letters are D, M, Q, and K.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers is determined by the sum of their individual digits. In the first pair, the sum of the digits of 583 is 5 + 8 + 3 = 16, and the sum of the digits of 488 is 4 + 8 + 8 = 20. The difference between these two digit sums is 20 - 16 = 4.

Applying the same logic to the second pair, the sum of the digits of 293 is 2 + 9 + 3 = 14. To maintain the established pattern, the sum of the digits of the missing number must be 14 + 4 = 18. Among the choices, the number 378 has a digit sum of 3 + 7 + 8 = 18.

Explanation

The relationship between the terms in the analogy is based on a constant multiplier. In the first pair, the second number is obtained by multiplying the first number by 25, which is expressed as 25 × 25 = 625. Applying this same mathematical rule to the second pair, we multiply the term 35 by the same constant factor of 25. The calculation 35 × 25 results in 875.

Explanation

Words are arranged in a dictionary by comparing their letters sequentially from left to right. In this set, (i) Ambitious, (ii) Ambiguous, and (iii) Ambiguity share the first two letters Am-, while (iv) Animation and (v) Animals share the first two letters An-. Since m is the 13th letter of the alphabet and n is the 14th, the words starting with Am- must appear before those starting with An-.

Among the first group, the common prefix is Ambi-. Comparing the fifth letters, g in (ii) and (iii) precedes t in (i). Between (ii) Ambiguous and (iii) Ambiguity, the first six letters Ambigu- are identical. Comparing the seventh letters, i in (iii) precedes o in (ii), establishing the order (iii), (ii), (i).

For the second group, (iv) Animation and (v) Animals share the prefix Anima-. Comparing the sixth letters, l in (v) precedes t in (iv), which puts them in the order (v), (iv). Combining these sequences results in the dictionary order (iii), (ii), (i), (v), (iv).

Explanation

The number 210 is the odd one out because it is not divisible by 16, whereas the other three numbers are all multiples of 16. By applying divisibility, we find that 240 = 16 × 15, 304 = 16 × 19, and 272 = 16 × 17. In contrast, 210 / 16 = 13.125. Furthermore, 210 is the only number in the set that is not divisible by 4; the last two digits of the other numbers (40, 04, and 72) are all divisible by 4, while the last two digits of 210 (10) are not. Additionally, the numbers 240, 272, and 304 form an arithmetic progression with a common difference of 32, a property that 210 does not satisfy.

Explanation

Bronze is categorized as an alloy, which is a material made of two or more chemical elements, typically copper and tin. Unlike pure chemical elements, an alloy is a mixture designed to possess specific physical properties like enhanced hardness or corrosion resistance. Since it is a composite substance rather than a single atomic species found on the periodic table, it is the odd term in the list.

Explanation

The letter group MTF is the odd one out because it does not follow the consistent decreasing pattern of 7 in alphabetical positions used by the other groups. In the English alphabet, the positions of the letters in SLE are 19, 12, and 5; in RKD they are 18, 11, and 4; and in UNG they are 21, 14, and 7. Each of these follows a pattern where the position of a letter is determined by n - 7. MTF, however, has positions 13 (M), 20 (T), and 6 (F), which reflects an increase of 7 followed by a decrease of 14, thereby breaking the uniform rule of subtraction.

Explanation

The letters in the group follow a positional pattern where the numerical difference between successive letters is +2, +3, and +4 respectively. For the word CENT, the alphabetical positions are C=3, E=5, N=14, and T=20. Calculating the differences between these positions gives 5-3=2, 14-5=9, and 20-14=6. Because the sequence +2, +9, +6 does not follow the established +2, +3, +4 rule, CENT is the odd word.

Explanation

The biological life cycle of a moth follows the process of complete metamorphosis, which consists of four distinct stages in a specific chronological sequence. The cycle begins with the laying of Eggs (iv) by an adult. These eggs hatch into the feeding and growth stage known as the Larva (ii), commonly referred to as a caterpillar. Once the larva reaches its full size, it enters the Pupa (i) stage, during which it remains stationary within a cocoon while undergoing a total physical transformation. Finally, the adult Moth (iii) emerges from the pupal case to repeat the cycle. This progression from egg to larva to pupa to adult represents the natural developmental order.

Explanation

The correct descending order of the continents by area is Africa (ii), North America (v), South America (i), Europe (iii), and Australia (iv). Option D, despite some typographical errors, correctly represents the sequence (ii), (v), (i), (iii), (iv) based on the provided indices. Africa is the largest of these at approximately 30.3 million square km, followed by North America (24.7), South America (17.8), Europe (10.2), and Australia (7.7).

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where the differences between consecutive terms increase by a constant value. By calculating the first-level differences between consecutive terms, we observe the following sequence: 43 - 17 = 26 81 - 43 = 38 131 - 81 = 50

To find the underlying pattern, we calculate the second-level differences (the difference between the differences): 38 - 26 = 12 50 - 38 = 12

Since the second-level difference is constant at 12, the next difference in the sequence is determined by adding 12 to the last first-level difference: 50 + 12 = 62

Adding this value to the last given term of the series provides the missing term: 131 + 62 = 193