SSC CGL Tier 1 2024 General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The expression is solved by substituting the mathematical operators as specified and then applying the BODMAS rule (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction).

According to the rules of operator interchange: The symbols + and - are interchanged, meaning - becomes + and + becomes -. The symbols × and ÷ are interchanged (noting that in these types of logical puzzles, the second pair typically involves the remaining two operators, × and ÷), meaning × becomes ÷ and ÷ becomes ×.

Original equation: 14 - 45 × 5 + 6 ÷ 3

Substituting the operators: 14 + 45 ÷ 5 - 6 × 3

Now, apply the BODMAS rule: Step 1: Perform Division 45 ÷ 5 = 9 The expression becomes: 14 + 9 - 6 × 3

Step 2: Perform Multiplication 6 × 3 = 18 The expression becomes: 14 + 9 - 18

Step 3: Perform Addition and Subtraction 14 + 9 = 23 23 - 18 = 5

Explanation

The series follows a specific arithmetic pattern for each letter position in the four-letter terms. In the first position, the letters increase by two places in the alphabetical order: H (8), J (10), L (12), N (14), and P (16). In the second position, the letters increase by one place: K (11), L (12), M (13), N (14), and O (15). In the third position, the letters decrease by two places: P (16), N (14), L (12), J (10), and H (8). In the fourth position, the letters decrease by one place: T (20), S (19), R (18), Q (17), and P (16). Applying these consistent shifts of +2, +1, -2, and -1 to the term LMLR results in the missing term NNJQ.

Explanation

The code language follows a logic where each letter is assigned its corresponding numerical position in the English alphabet (A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, …, Z = 26), and the final code is the sum of these values.

For the word IFF, the calculation is I(9) + F(6) + F(6) = 21. For the word ARB, the calculation is A(1) + R(18) + B(2) = 21.

Following this same pattern for the word CAW, the sum of the positional values is C(3) + A(1) + W(23) = 27.

Explanation

The relationship established in the given pair is Tool : Object. Scissors are a handheld cutting tool specifically designed to cut or shape paper. Similarly, an axe is a handheld cutting tool specifically designed to chop, split, or shape wood. In both instances, the first word represents the instrument used to physically manipulate or divide the material represented by the second word.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the given pairs is a constant difference of 115. This is found by subtracting the second number from the first in each pair: 317 - 202 = 115 438 - 323 = 115 The pair (402, 287) follows this same logic because 402 - 287 = 115.

Explanation

The relationship between Cessation and Beginning is one of antonyms, as Cessation refers to the process of ending or being brought to an end, while Beginning refers to the start or origin of something. Similarly, Enormous and Miniscule are antonyms because Enormous describes something of very great size or intensity, whereas Miniscule describes something that is extremely small or tiny.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers follows a constant multiplication pattern. In the first instance, the second number is obtained by multiplying the first number by 8, as shown by the calculation 22 × 8 = 176. In the second instance, the same logic applies where 32 × 8 = 256. Applying this consistent logic to the target number, we multiply 48 by 8 to determine the related value: 48 × 8 = 384.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a rule where consonants are shifted forward by 2 positions in the alphabetical order, while vowels remain unchanged.

In the word TERRAIN, the transformation is as follows: T (Consonant, 20) + 2 = V (22) E (Vowel) + 0 = E R (Consonant, 18) + 2 = T (20) R (Consonant, 18) + 2 = T (20) A (Vowel) + 0 = A I (Vowel) + 0 = I N (Consonant, 14) + 2 = P (16) This results in VETTAIP.

In the word TRAFFIC, applying the same rule: T (Consonant, 20) + 2 = V (22) R (Consonant, 18) + 2 = T (20) A (Vowel) + 0 = A F (Consonant, 6) + 2 = H (8) F (Consonant, 6) + 2 = H (8) I (Vowel) + 0 = I C (Consonant, 3) + 2 = E (5) The resulting code is VTAHHIE.

For the word MOTOR, applying the same logic: M (Consonant, 13) + 2 = O (15) O (Vowel) + 0 = O T (Consonant, 20) + 2 = V (22) O (Vowel) + 0 = O R (Consonant, 18) + 2 = T (20) The final coded word is OOVOT.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where it is divided into four groups of four letters each: (LM_O), (_NPM), (RO_K), and (U_TI). The logic is determined by the alphabetical position of the letters in each corresponding spot across the four groups.

In the first position of each group, the letters follow a +3 progression: L (12), O (15), R (18), and U (21). This identifies the letter for the second blank as O. In the second position, the letters follow a +1 progression: M (13), N (14), O (15), and P (16). This identifies the letter for the fourth blank as P. In the third position, the letters follow a +2 progression: N (14), P (16), R (18), and T (20). This identifies the letters for the first and third blanks as N and R, respectively. In the fourth position, the letters follow a -2 progression: O (15), M (13), K (11), and I (9). Combining these letters in the sequential order they appear in the original string results in the sequence NORP.

Explanation

The letter cluster KNP follows a positional pattern that deviates from the common logic of the group. In the English alphabet, the positions of the letters in this cluster are K = 11, N = 14, and P = 16. The difference between the first and second letters is 14 - 11 = 3, but the difference between the second and third letters is 16 - 14 = 2.

The established pattern for the other clusters in the set is a consistent addition of 3 to the positional value of the preceding letter. Since KNP involves an inconsistent sequence of +3 followed by +2, it is the odd one out.

Explanation

The relationship followed in the given pairs is x:x³, where the second number is the cube of the first number. In the first pair, 11³ = 11 × 11 × 11 = 1331. In the second pair, 9³ = 9 × 9 × 9 = 729. Applying the same logic to the option 7:343, we find that 7³ = 7 × 7 × 7 = 343.

Explanation

Conclusion II follows from the statement "No circle is a ring." In formal logic, a universal negative proposition (E-type) is reciprocal. If the set of circles has no intersection with the set of rings, then the set of rings likewise has no intersection with the set of circles. Thus, the conclusion "No ring is a circle" is a direct logical deduction.

Conclusion III follows from the statement "All necklaces are squares." This is a universal affirmative proposition (A-type), which indicates that the entire set of necklaces is contained within the set of squares. By the rule of conversion, if all members of set A are members of set B, then it is necessarily true that some members of set B are members of set A. Therefore, "Some squares are necklaces" is logically valid.

Conclusion I does not follow because the premises only establish that the specific squares which are circles cannot be rings. This justifies the conclusion "Some squares are not rings," but it does not provide sufficient evidence to support the universal claim "No square is a ring," as squares that are not circles could potentially be rings.

Explanation

The series follows the pattern n² + 1 starting from n = 2. Calculating the terms, we get 2² + 1 = 5, 3² + 1 = 10, 4² + 1 = 17, 5² + 1 = 26, and 6² + 1 = 37. Following this sequence, the next number is 7² + 1 = 49 + 1 = 50.

Another way to observe the pattern is through the differences between consecutive terms. The differences are 10 - 5 = 5, 17 - 10 = 7, 26 - 17 = 9, and 37 - 26 = 11. These differences represent a sequence of consecutive odd numbers. The next odd number in this sequence is 13. Adding this to the last term, we get 37 + 13 = 50.

Explanation

The relationship in the expression M + Q - R + K - Y can be decoded using the provided definitions as follows:

M + Q: M is the mother of Q. Q - R: Q is the brother of R. Since M is the mother of Q, she is also the mother of R. R + K: Using the definition where the symbol refers to the father, R is the father of K. K - Y: K is the brother of Y. Since R is the father of K, R is also the father of Y.

From steps 2 and 4, we establish that M is the mother of R, and R is the father of Y. Therefore, M is the mother of Y's father, making her the father's mother of Y.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the given pairs generally follows the formula y = x² + x, where x is the first number and y is the second number. In the pair 18:306, the second number is instead obtained through the alternative operation y = x² - x, as 18² - 18 = 324 - 18 = 306. If the common rule of adding the first number to its square were applied, the second number would be 18² + 18 = 342. This pair is the exception in the set because it employs subtraction to arrive at the second value while the rest of the pairs consistently use addition.

Explanation

The coding logic used in this language is determined by multiplying the total number of letters in each word by the constant value 7.

For the word BLEACHERS, the total number of letters is 9. Applying the logic: 9 × 7 = 63

For the word ABACAS, the total number of letters is 6. Applying the logic: 6 × 7 = 42

Following this same pattern for the word FIZZY, which consists of 5 letters: 5 × 7 = 35

Explanation

The relationship in the first pair is that Botany is the scientific study of plants. Similarly, Conchology is the branch of zoology that specifically deals with the study of mollusk shells. While malacology is the study of mollusks as whole organisms, conchology focuses primarily on the structure and aesthetics of their shells.

Explanation

The series follows a logic where each letter in the cluster increases by a constant value of +3 in its alphabetical position.

For the first letter of each cluster: J (10) + 3 = M (13); M (13) + 3 = P (16); P (16) + 3 = S (19). Following this pattern, S (19) + 3 = V (22).

For the second letter of each cluster: A (1) + 3 = D (4); D (4) + 3 = G (7); G (7) + 3 = J (10). Following this pattern, J (10) + 3 = M (13).

For the third letter of each cluster: L (12) + 3 = O (15); O (15) + 3 = R (18); R (18) + 3 = U (21). Following this pattern, U (21) + 3 = X (24).

Combining these, the next cluster in the series is VMX.

Explanation

The relationship follows the logic of the cube of the second number. For the first pair, 4³ = 64. For the second pair, 6³ = 216. Similarly, for the third pair, we find the number whose cube is 729. Since 9 × 9 × 9 = 729, the number 729 is related to 9.

Explanation

The given series follows a pattern based on the addition of specific values between consecutive terms. By inserting the numbers from option d, the series becomes 61, 64, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89.

The differences between consecutive terms are: 64 - 61 = 3 71 - 64 = 7 73 - 71 = 2 79 - 73 = 6 83 - 79 = 4 89 - 83 = 6

The pattern can be identified by looking at the differences between alternate terms: For the odd-indexed terms (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th): 71 - 61 = 10 79 - 71 = 8 89 - 79 = 10 The differences between these terms follow the alternating pattern +10, +8, +10.

For the even-indexed terms (2nd, 4th, 6th): 73 - 64 = 9 83 - 73 = 10 The differences here follow the sequence +9, +10.

This structure confirms that 64 and 71 are the correct numbers to fill the question marks. Additionally, the series consists of prime numbers (61, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89) where the second term is replaced by a perfect square (8² = 64), and the sequence returns to consecutive primes from the third term (71) onwards.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a simple subtraction pattern where each letter of the word is replaced by its preceding letter in the English alphabet (n - 1). In the first example, ZCJV is transformed into YBIU because Z shifts to Y, C to B, J to I, and V to U. In the second example, GKMD becomes FJLC through the same process: G to F, K to J, M to L, and D to C.

Applying this -1 shift to the word EYOR: E (5) becomes D (4) Y (25) becomes X (24) O (15) becomes N (14) R (18) becomes Q (17)

Combining these results gives the code DXNQ.

Explanation

To determine how many letters remain in the same position, we first write the original word SIGNATURE and then arrange its letters in alphabetical order. The letters present in the word are A, E, G, I, N, R, S, T, and U.

Arranging these letters alphabetically from left to right gives the sequence: A, E, G, I, N, R, S, T, U. By comparing this sequence to the original word SIGNATURE, we observe the following mapping: the first letter S changes to A, the second letter I changes to E, the third letter G remains as G, the fourth letter N changes to I, the fifth letter A changes to N, the sixth letter T changes to R, the seventh letter U changes to S, the eighth letter R changes to T, and the ninth letter E changes to U. Only the third letter, G, remains in the same position.

Explanation

The relationship between Love and Harmony is one of positive correlation where the existence of the first term fosters or describes the second. Love is a sentiment that creates a state of internal or social Harmony. Similarly, Peace is a condition of tranquility and order that naturally leads to or is characterized by Bliss, which is a state of extreme happiness and serenity. Both pairs consist of synonymous positive attributes where one reinforces the presence of the other.

Explanation

The letter-cluster QUR follows a sequence based on alphabetical positions where Q = 17, U = 21, and R = 18. The transition from the first to the second letter involves a shift of +4 (17 + 4 = 21), and the transition from the second to the third letter involves a shift of -3 (21 - 3 = 18). This specific +4, -3 pattern identifies it as the odd one out, as it deviates from the consistent +3, -2 progression that characterizes the other clusters in the group.

Explanation

To solve the equation, we first apply the given sign interchanges: substitute × for ÷, + for -, ÷ for ×, and - for +. The original equation 7 ÷ 5 - 30 × 6 + 4 becomes:

7 × 5 + 30 ÷ 6 - 4

Following the BODMAS rule, we perform division first, then multiplication, and finally addition and subtraction:

Step 1 (Division): 30 ÷ 6 = 5 The expression becomes 7 × 5 + 5 - 4.

Step 2 (Multiplication): 7 × 5 = 35 The expression becomes 35 + 5 - 4.

Step 3 (Addition and Subtraction): 40 - 4 = 36

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where the string is divided into four groups of four letters each: (B _ D E), (_ G D G), (B K _ I), and (B _ D K). Within these groups, the first and third letters are constant, being B and D respectively.

The second letters of each group follow an arithmetic progression with a common difference of +4: C (3) → G (7) → K (11) → O (15). The fourth letters of each group follow an arithmetic progression with a common difference of +2: E (5) → G (7) → I (9) → K (11). Applying these rules, the blanks are filled by C, B, D, and O in sequence, forming the groups BCDE, BGDG, BKDI, and BODK.

Explanation

Conclusion I does not follow because the statements establish that some cereals are fruits and no fruit is a vegetable. This intersection between cereals and fruits creates a subset of cereals that can never be vegetables. Therefore, the possibility that all cereals are vegetables is logically impossible.

Conclusion II does not follow because while all grains are contained within the category of cereals, and some cereals are fruits, there is no direct relationship defined between grains and fruits. The set of grains could exist entirely outside the overlapping area of cereals and fruits, so the claim that all grains are fruits is not a necessary consequence of the given statements.

Explanation

The pattern followed in the given pairs is y = x² - 9, where x is the first number and y is the second number. For the first pair, using x = 7 results in 7² - 9 = 49 - 9 = 40. For the second pair, using x = 5 results in 5² - 9 = 25 - 9 = 16. Applying the same mathematical logic to the third case where x = 9, the calculation is 9² - 9 = 81 - 9 = 72.

Explanation

After substituting the operators as instructed, the equation becomes 1604 ÷ 4 - 87 + 16 × 16. Following the BODMAS rule, 401 - 87 + 256 results in 314 + 256, which equals 570.

Explanation

S is the father of Q, and Q is the mother of T. Since T and P are siblings (T is the brother of P), Q is also the mother of P. Since R is the husband of P, P is a female. Therefore, Q is the daughter of S, and P is the daughter of Q. This establishes that P is the daughter's daughter of S.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the given sets follows the mathematical pattern n₂ = (n₁ × 4) + 10. In the first set (26, 114), multiplying the first number by 4 and adding 10 results in the second number: 26 × 4 + 10 = 104 + 10 = 114. In the second set (47, 198), the same operation applies: 47 × 4 + 10 = 188 + 10 = 198. Applying this same rule to the set (15, 70), the calculation yields 15 × 4 + 10 = 60 + 10 = 70.

Explanation

The number 237 is a composite number, whereas the other numbers in the group are prime numbers. A composite number is defined as a positive integer greater than 1 that has at least one divisor other than 1 and itself. By evaluating 237 as a whole number, it is found to be divisible by 3, as it can be expressed as the product 3 × 79. This divisibility is evident because 237 is 3 less than 240, and since 240 is divisible by 3, their difference must also be divisible by 3. In contrast, the remaining values in the set are prime numbers, which cannot be evenly divided by any whole number other than 1 and themselves. This difference in mathematical properties identifies 237 as the odd one out.

Explanation

The series follows a specific addition pattern for each position of the letters in the clusters. In the first position, the letters increase by 2: C(3) + 2 = E(5), E(5) + 2 = G(7), G(7) + 2 = I(9), and I(9) + 2 = K(11). In the second position, the letters increase by 1: Q(17) + 1 = R(18), R(18) + 1 = S(19), S(19) + 1 = T(20), and T(20) + 1 = U(21).

In the third position, the letters increase by 3: J(10) + 3 = M(13), M(13) + 3 = P(16), P(16) + 3 = S(19), and S(19) + 3 = V(22). Similarly, in the fourth position, the letters increase by 3: G(7) + 3 = J(10), J(10) + 3 = M(13), M(13) + 3 = P(16), and P(16) + 3 = S(19). By applying these increments to the second cluster ERMJ, the next cluster in the sequence is GSPM.

Explanation

Since 2 is the daughter of 3 and it is specified that 3 is not the mother, 3 must be the father. Given that 1 and 3 are a married couple, 1 is the wife of 3. As the spouse of the father of 2, 1 is the mother of 2.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern where the difference between consecutive terms increases by multiples of 11. Specifically, the difference between the first and second terms is 11 (46 - 35 = 11). The difference between the second and third terms is 22 (68 - 46 = 22). The difference between the third and fourth terms is 33 (101 - 68 = 33), and the difference between the fourth and fifth terms is 44 (145 - 101 = 44).

The sequence of differences is 11, 22, 33, 44, …, which corresponds to the arithmetic progression 11 × n. To find the next number in the series, we add the next multiple of 11, which is 11 × 5 = 55, to the last given term. Therefore, the required number is 145 + 55 = 200.

Explanation

The letter series can be understood by dividing it into blocks of four letters each. By observing the given letters and the options, we can identify a pattern based on columns within these blocks:

Block 1: Z A A Z (Positions 1-4) Block 2: Z A Z Z (Positions 5-8) Block 3: A A Z Z (Positions 9-12)

Analysis of the columns: The second letter of every block is always A (Positions 2, 6, 10). The fourth letter of every block is always Z (Positions 4, 8, 12). The first and third letters follow a shifting sequence. The first letters of the blocks are Z, Z, A, and the third letters of the blocks are A, Z, Z.

By applying this pattern to the provided string Z_A_Z__ZA_Z (which corresponds to positions 1 through 11): Position 2 (Block 1, Col 2) is A. Position 4 (Block 1, Col 4) is Z. Position 6 (Block 2, Col 2) is A. Position 7 (Block 2, Col 3) is Z. Position 10 (Block 3, Col 2) is A. Position 11 (Block 3, Col 3) is Z.

Placing these letters sequentially into the blanks results in the sequence A, Z, A, Z, A, Z. This perfectly matches option b).

Explanation

The relationship established in the given pairs follows the logic of squaring the first number to obtain the second number. In the first instance, 11² = 121. In the second instance, 22² = 484. Following this consistent pattern, the number 31 is related to its square, which is calculated as 31 × 31 = 961.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a pattern where each letter in the given word is replaced by the letter that immediately precedes it in the English alphabetical order (n - 1). In the word EAGLE, the transformation is E → D, A → Z, G → F, L → K, and E → D, resulting in the code DZFKD. Applying this same subtraction rule to the word SINCE, the letter S becomes R, I becomes H, N becomes M, C becomes B, and E becomes D. This sequence of transformations yields the code RHMBD.

Explanation

The series follows three distinct patterns for the first letter, second letter, and the numerical part of each term. For the first letter, the sequence is H, J, L, N. Converting these to their numerical alphabetical positions gives 8, 10, 12, 14, which shows a constant increase of +2. The next position is 14 + 2 = 16, which corresponds to the letter P.

For the second letter, the sequence is M, P, S, V. Their alphabetical positions are 13, 16, 19, 22, indicating a constant increase of +3. The next position is 22 + 3 = 25, which corresponds to the letter Y. For the numerical part, the sequence is 71, 68, 65, 62. This is a decreasing arithmetic progression with a common difference of -3. The next number in the sequence is 62 - 3 = 59. Combining these three components results in the term PY59.

Explanation

Based on the statements, some fruits are flowers and all flowers are garlands. Since every flower is contained within the category of garlands, any fruit that is a flower must also be a garland. This confirms that there is an intersection between the set of fruits and the set of garlands, making conclusion I logically follow.

Regarding conclusions II and III, the statements provide a link between vegetables and fruits, and between fruits and flowers/garlands, but they do not establish a necessary connection between vegetables and flowers or vegetables and garlands. While such a connection is possible, it is not guaranteed by the given premises. Therefore, only conclusion I is certain.

Explanation

The common operation for the number pairs is y = 2x + 1, where x is the first number and y is the second. In the case of the pair 11:121, applying this operation results in 2(11) + 1 = 23. Since the actual second number is 121, this pair does not fit the pattern. Instead, it follows a squaring operation where 11² = 121, making it the odd one out.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in the given sets follows the formula: (First Number × Second Number)/(3) = Third Number

In the set (24, 15, 120), the calculation is (24 × 15)/(3) = 8 × 15 = 120. In the set (21, 19, 133), the calculation is (21 × 19)/(3) = 7 × 19 = 133.

Applying this same logic to the numbers in option d), which are (27, 12, 108): (27 × 12)/(3) = 27 × 4 = 108

The calculation yields the third number in the set, identifying it as the set that follows the established mathematical pattern.

Explanation

The letter-cluster WVTS is the odd one out because it follows a positional difference pattern of -1, -2, and -1. By assigning numerical values to the letters based on their positions in the English alphabet (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26), the cluster is represented by W(23), V(22), T(20), and S(19). The differences between consecutive letters are 23 - 22 = 1, 22 - 20 = 2, and 20 - 19 = 1. In contrast, the other three letter-clusters provided follow a uniform pattern of -2, -1, and -2 between their consecutive letters. Because WVTS deviates from the common logic shared by the other groups, it is the cluster that is different.

Explanation

The code for each word is determined by identifying the numerical position of each letter in the English alphabet, where A is 1, B is 2, and Z is 26, and adding 2 to that value. The final code is the concatenation of these incremented values. For the word ESCAPE, the numerical positions of the letters are E=5, S=19, C=3, A=1, P=16, and E=5. Applying the logic Position + 2 to each letter results in 7 for E, 21 for S, 5 for C, 3 for A, 18 for P, and 7 for the final E. Concatenating these values sequentially yields the code 72153187. This follows the same pattern seen in EXCESS, where E (5+2=7), X (24+2=26), C (3+2=5), E (5+2=7), S (19+2=21), and S (19+2=21) combine to form 726572121.

Explanation

The pattern follows a specific numerical shift for each letter in the cluster based on their positions in the English alphabet. The first letter is shifted by +17, the second letter by -9, and the third letter by -9.

In the first pair CRW to TIN: C (3) + 17 = 20 (T) R (18) - 9 = 9 (I) W (23) - 9 = 14 (N)

In the second pair DOZ to UFQ: D (4) + 17 = 21 (U) O (15) - 9 = 6 (F) Z (26) - 9 = 17 (Q)

Applying the same logic to the fifth letter-cluster ALW: A (1) + 17 = 18 (R) L (12) - 9 = 3 (C) W (23) - 9 = 14 (N)

The resulting letter-cluster is RCN.

Explanation

To find the value of the equation, we apply the given interchanges to the mathematical operators. Based on the standard logic of such problems, the symbols are interchanged in pairs: addition (+) with subtraction (-) and multiplication (×) with division (÷).

Original equation: 27 × 3 + 4 ÷ 2 - 7

Applying the interchanges: Replace × with ÷ Replace + with - Replace ÷ with × Replace - with +

The transformed equation becomes: 27 ÷ 3 - 4 × 2 + 7

Following the BODMAS rule (Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction):

Step 1: Perform Division 27 ÷ 3 = 9 The equation is now: 9 - 4 × 2 + 7

Step 2: Perform Multiplication 4 × 2 = 8 The equation is now: 9 - 8 + 7

Step 3: Perform Addition and Subtraction 9 - 8 = 1 1 + 7 = 8

Explanation

The pairs Book-pages, Spectacles-lens, and Flowers-petals all follow a part-to-whole relationship where the second word is a physical constituent or component part of the first word. Pages are essential components that make up a book, lenses are the functional components of spectacles, and petals are structural parts of a flower. In the pair Shoes-feet, the relationship is instead one of an object and the body part it covers or protects. Feet are not a physical component or material part of shoes, making this pair logically distinct from the others.

Explanation

The relationship between the numbers in each pair follows the pattern y = 17x, where x is the first number and y is the second. In the first pair, 4 × 17 = 68. In the second pair, the same logic applies as 8 × 17 = 136. Following this constant multiplication rule for the fifth number, the result is calculated as 9 × 17 = 153.

Explanation

The word CORNFLAKES consists of 10 letters. When arranged in alphabetical order from left to right, the sequence becomes A, C, E, F, K, L, N, O, R, S. Comparing the original word with the new arrangement reveals the shifts in position for each letter.

Original: C O R N F L A K E S Sorted: A C E F K L N O R S

Positions 1 (C to A), 2 (O to C), 3 (R to E), 4 (N to F), 5 (F to K), 7 (A to N), 8 (K to O), and 9 (E to R) all see a change in the letter occupying that spot. Only the letters at position 6 (L) and position 10 (S) remain in the same place as they were in the original word. Therefore, exactly eight letters change their positions during the rearrangement.

Explanation

The logic applied to the pairs is a constant multiplication of the whole number by 5. In the first instance, 18 × 5 = 90. In the second instance, 31 × 5 = 155. Following this same rule, the value corresponding to 52 is determined by calculating 52 × 5 = 260.