Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers of the following sets. (NOTE: Operations shoul…

Question

Select the set in which the numbers are related in the same way as are the numbers of the following sets. (NOTE: Operations should be performed on the whole numbers, without breaking down the numbers into their constituent digits. E.g. 13 – Operations on 13 such as adding / subtracting / multiplying etc. to 13 can be performed. Breaking down 13 into 1 and 3 and then performing mathematical operations on 1 and 3 is not allowed.) 8 - 3 - 24 5 - 8 - 40

1. A. 4 - 8 - 43
2. B. 14 - 6 - 34
3. C. 2 - 9 - 15
4. D. 4 - 9 - 36 (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — 4 - 9 - 36

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 4 - 9 - 36.

Key Points

• Find the rule from the given sets:
  • 8 - 3 - 24 → $8 \times 3 = 24$
  • 5 - 8 - 40 → $5 \times 8 = 40$
• The rule is simply first × second = third.
• Testing the options:
  • 4 - 8 - 43 → $4 \times 8 = 32 \ne 43$
  • 14 - 6 - 34 → $14 \times 6 = 84 \ne 34$
  • 2 - 9 - 15 → $2 \times 9 = 18 \ne 15$
  • 4 - 9 - 36 → $4 \times 9 = \textbf{36}$ ✓

Additional Information

• The note forbidding digit-splitting is important. Without it, a set such as 2-9-15 might be forced to work through some manipulation of the digits 1 and 5 — the note closes off that entire approach and confirms the rule operates on whole numbers.
• Test the simplest operations first, in the order multiply, add, subtract, divide, then combinations such as $(a \times b) + c$. Most number-analogy sets resolve on the first or second attempt.
• Always confirm a candidate rule against both given sets. A rule fitting only one is not established.
• Distractor 4-8-43 is close to 4-8-32 and 2-9-15 close to 2-9-18, so an approximate check is not enough — the arithmetic must be completed.