Number Analogy Reasoning – Master Reasoning for Competitive Exams
Boost your understanding of number analogy reasoning with proven strategies designed for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and Banking.
📚 Topic-Wise Practice Worksheets
Master Number Analogy with our structured practice materials
Each worksheet includes detailed solutions and explanations
Addition Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Addition Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is obtained by adding a fixed constant to the first number. For example, in the pair 5:8, the relationship is 5 + 3 = 8. You must identify the constant and apply it to find the missing number. These problems test basic arithmetic and pattern recognition skills.
Multiplication Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Multiplication Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is obtained by multiplying the first number by a fixed constant. For example, in the pair 4:12, the relationship is 4 × 3 = 12. You must identify the multiplier and apply it to find the missing number. These problems test multiplication skills and factor recognition.
Square Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Square Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is the square of the first number (A : A²). For example, 4:16 (4² = 16). You may also encounter square root relationships (A : √A) or variations like (A² : A³). These problems test knowledge of squares and square roots.
Subtraction Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Subtraction Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is obtained by subtracting a fixed constant from the first number. For example, in the pair 15:11, the relationship is 15 - 4 = 11. You must identify the subtrahend and apply it to find the missing number. These problems test subtraction skills and pattern recognition.
Division Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Division Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is obtained by dividing the first number by a fixed constant. For example, in the pair 24:6, the relationship is 24 ÷ 4 = 6. You must identify the divisor and apply it to find the missing number. These problems test division skills and factor recognition.
Digit Sum Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Digit Sum Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is the sum of the digits of the first number. For example, in the pair 45:9 (4+5=9). You may also encounter digital root (repeated sum until single digit) or sum of digits with additional operations. These problems test digit manipulation skills.
Reverse Number Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Reverse Number Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is the reverse of the digits of the first number. For example, in the pair 123:321, the relationship is reversing the digits. You may also encounter reverse then add/subtract patterns. These problems test digit manipulation and number sense.
Factorial Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Factorial Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is the factorial of the first number. For example, in the pair 5:120 (5! = 5×4×3×2×1 = 120). You may also encounter factorial of (A+k) or variations. These problems test knowledge of factorial values.
Product Of Digits Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Product of Digits Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is the product of the digits of the first number. For example, in the pair 23:6 (2×3=6). You may also encounter product of digits with additional operations. These problems test digit manipulation and multiplication skills.
Prime Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Prime Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is derived from the first using prime number properties. Common patterns include: next prime after A, previous prime before A, difference between A and next prime, or the nth prime number. These problems test knowledge of prime numbers.
Perfect Square Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Perfect Square Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is a perfect square of the first or related to squares. Common patterns include: A : A², A : (A+1)², A : A² + k, or square root relationships. These problems test knowledge of perfect squares and square roots.
Arithmetic Progression Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Arithmetic Progression Analogy problems involve number pairs where the second number is related to the first through an arithmetic progression (constant difference). Patterns include: A : A+d, A : A+2d, or A : A + f(A). These problems test understanding of arithmetic sequences and patterns.
Pattern Analogy Free
10 worksheets available
Pattern Analogy problems involve complex relationships that may combine multiple operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares, cubes, etc.) in a sequence. Common patterns include Fibonacci-like (add previous two), mixed operations (×2+1, ×3-2), or custom patterns based on position. These problems test advanced pattern recognition and multi-step reasoning.
📖 Mixed Practice Worksheets
Comprehensive worksheets combining all problem types for Number Analogy
Perfect for exam simulation and revision
Each worksheet contains 20 mixed questions covering all problem types of Number Analogy, with detailed solutions and answer keys.
Number Analogy
Number Analogy is a fundamental reasoning concept that tests your ability to identify relationships between numbers and apply the same relationship to find missing numbers. It's a crucial component of logical reasoning sections in competitive exams, evaluating your quantitative aptitude and pattern recognition skills.
In real-world scenarios, number analogies help develop logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills - all essential for careers in banking, administration, and management. Mastering this topic can significantly improve your overall reasoning ability.
Number Analogy questions frequently appear in these major Indian competitive exams:
- SSC Exams: CGL, CHSL, CPO, Steno, GD Constable
- Banking Exams: IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B/Assistant
- UPSC: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Railway Exams: RRB NTPC, Group D, JE
- State PSCs: UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC, TNPSC, etc.
- Other Exams: CAT, MAT, CMAT, Defence Exams (CDS, AFCAT)
Scoring Potential
Number Analogy typically carries 2-5 marks in most exams. With proper practice, you can solve these questions in 30-45 seconds each, making it a high-scoring area. Many students report 90-100% accuracy in this section with consistent preparation.
Types of Number Analogy
This type involves simple arithmetic relationships like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division between numbers.
Solved Example 1:
Find the missing number: 4 : 20 :: 6 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Observe the relationship between 4 and 20
- 2. 4 × 5 = 20 (multiplication by 5)
- 3. Apply same operation to 6: 6 × 5 = 30
- 4. Verify: 4:20 :: 6:30 maintains the same relationship
Answer: 30
Solved Example 2:
Complete the analogy: 25 : 5 :: 49 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Analyze the relationship between 25 and 5
- 2. √25 = 5 (square root relationship)
- 3. Apply to 49: √49 = 7
- 4. Check: 25 is to 5 as 49 is to 7
Answer: 7
Complete: 8 : 64 :: 11 : ?
Solution:
8 × 8 = 64 (number multiplied by itself)
Similarly, 11 × 11 = 121
Answer: 121
These analogies involve combinations of two or more arithmetic operations applied sequentially.
Solved Example 1:
Find the missing number: 5 : 26 :: 7 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Analyze 5 to 26 relationship
- 2. (5 × 5) + 1 = 25 + 1 = 26
- 3. Apply same pattern to 7: (7 × 7) + 1 = 49 + 1 = 50
- 4. Verify: 5:26 :: 7:50 maintains the relationship
Answer: 50
Solved Example 2:
Complete: 12 : 145 :: 10 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Examine 12 to 145 relationship
- 2. (12²) + 1 = 144 + 1 = 145
- 3. Apply to 10: (10²) + 1 = 100 + 1 = 101
- 4. Check: 12:145 :: 10:101 follows same pattern
Answer: 101
Find: 3 : 10 :: 5 : ?
Solution:
(3 × 3) + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10
Similarly, (5 × 5) + 1 = 25 + 1 = 26
Answer: 26
These analogies involve operations on individual digits of the numbers.
Solved Example 1:
Complete: 23 : 8 :: 34 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Break down 23: 2 + 3 + (2 × 3) = 2 + 3 + 6 = 11
- 2. Wait, this doesn't match 8. Try another approach
- 3. Sum of digits: 2 + 3 = 5, but we need 8
- 4. Alternative: (2 × 3) + (2 + 3) = 6 + 5 = 11 (still not 8)
- 5. Correct approach: Sum of digits multiplied by 2: (2+3)×2 = 10 (no)
- 6. Actual solution: Product of digits plus sum: (2×3)+(2+3) = 6+5 = 11 (no)
- 7. Correct pattern: Sum of squares of digits: 2² + 3² = 4 + 9 = 13 (no)
- 8. After re-evaluation, the correct relationship is: Sum of digits multiplied by difference of digits: (2+3) × (3-2) = 5 × 1 = 5 (no)
- 9. Upon careful reconsideration, the correct pattern is: (First digit × Second digit) + (First digit + Second digit) = (2×3)+(2+3) = 6+5 = 11 (still not matching)
After thorough verification, it appears there might be an inconsistency in the example. Let's consider a corrected version:
Corrected Example: 23 : 5 :: 34 : ?
Solution: Sum of digits: 2 + 3 = 5, so 3 + 4 = 7
Answer: 7
Solved Example 2:
Find: 45 : 41 :: 63 : ?
Solution:
- 1. Analyze 45 to 41 relationship
- 2. (4 × 5) + (4 + 5) = 20 + 9 = 29 (not 41)
- 3. Alternative: Reverse digits and subtract: 54 - 45 = 9 (no)
- 4. Correct pattern: Sum of digits squared plus product: (4+5)² + (4×5) = 81 + 20 = 101 (no)
- 5. Actual solution: (4² + 5²) + (4 + 5) = (16 + 25) + 9 = 50 (no)
- 6. After careful analysis, the correct relationship is: (First digit × Second digit) + (First digit + Second digit) = (4×5)+(4+5) = 20+9 = 29 (still not matching)
This example also appears inconsistent. Here's a corrected version:
Corrected Example: 45 : 29 :: 63 : ?
Solution: (6×3) + (6+3) = 18 + 9 = 27
Answer: 27
Complete: 52 : 17 :: 43 : ?
Solution:
For 52: (5 × 2) + (5 + 2) = 10 + 7 = 17
For 43: (4 × 3) + (4 + 3) = 12 + 7 = 19
Answer: 19
These analogies involve prime numbers and their properties.
Solved Example 1:
Find: 7 : 15 :: 11 : ?
Solution:
- 1. 7 is a prime number
- 2. Next prime after 7 is 11
- 3. 7 + 11 - 3 = 15 (specific pattern)
- 4. For 11: next prime is 13
- 5. Apply same operation: 11 + 13 - 3 = 21
Answer: 21
Solved Example 2:
Complete: 5 : 11 :: 13 : ?
Solution:
- 1. 5 is a prime number
- 2. Next prime after 5 is 7
- 3. 5 + 7 - 1 = 11
- 4. For 13: next prime is 17
- 5. 13 + 17 - 1 = 29
Answer: 29
Find: 3 : 7 :: 17 : ?
Solution:
For 3: next prime is 5, 3 + 5 - 1 = 7
For 17: next prime is 19, 17 + 19 - 1 = 35
Answer: 35
These analogies involve the position of numbers in sequences like natural numbers, squares, cubes, etc.
Solved Example 1:
Complete: 9 : 3 :: 16 : ?
Solution:
- 1. 9 is the square of 3 (3² = 9)
- 2. Similarly, 16 is the square of 4 (4² = 16)
- 3. The relationship is number : its square root
Answer: 4
Solved Example 2:
Find: 64 : 4 :: 125 : ?
Solution:
- 1. 64 is the cube of 4 (4³ = 64)
- 2. Similarly, 125 is the cube of 5 (5³ = 125)
- 3. The relationship is number : its cube root
Answer: 5
Complete: 121 : 11 :: 169 : ?
Solution:
121 is the square of 11 (11² = 121)
169 is the square of 13 (13² = 169)
Answer: 13
Step-by-Step Solving Techniques
Start by examining the given number pair to determine the most basic mathematical relationship.
- Check for simple arithmetic operations first (+, -, ×, ÷)
- Look for squares, cubes, or other powers
- Consider digit-based operations if simple math doesn't fit
Example: For 5 : 25, the relationship is clearly 5² = 25
If a simple relationship isn't apparent, look for combinations of operations.
- Try operations in sequence (e.g., first add then multiply)
- Consider operations on digits separately
- Check if the relationship works in both directions
Example: 7 : 50 could be (7²) + 1 = 49 + 1 = 50
Consider the position of numbers in mathematical sequences.
- Check if numbers are perfect squares/cubes
- Look at prime number positions
- Consider triangular numbers, Fibonacci sequence, etc.
Example: 16 : 4 relates to square roots (√16 = 4)
When dealing with multi-digit numbers, examine individual digits.
- Sum of digits
- Product of digits
- Difference between digits
- Combinations of digit operations
Example: 23 : 11 could be (2×3) + (2+3) = 6 + 5 = 11
Work backwards from the answer to identify the pattern.
- Start with the answer and see what operation leads to it
- Check if multiple patterns could fit
- Eliminate unlikely patterns based on context
Example: If 5 : 26, think what operations on 5 could give 26 (5² + 1 = 26)
Always verify your identified pattern works both ways.
- Apply the pattern to the given pair
- Test if it holds for the answer options
- Ensure consistency in both directions
Example: If you think 4:20 is 4×5, check if 6:30 also follows 6×5
Tips & Tricks
💡 Speed & Time Management Hacks:
- Master common patterns: Memorize frequently occurring relationships (squares, cubes, prime numbers) to recognize them instantly.
- Start with simplest operations: Always check basic arithmetic first before moving to complex patterns.
- Time allocation: Spend no more than 30-45 seconds per question during practice to build speed.
- Elimination method: When stuck, eliminate options that clearly don't fit any reasonable pattern.
- Mark and move: If a question takes more than 1 minute, mark it and return later if time permits.
⚠️ Avoid These Common Traps:
- Overcomplicating simple patterns: Students often miss basic relationships by looking for complex ones first - always check simple operations before moving to complex.
- Assuming one-way relationships: The pattern must work in both directions (A:B should follow same logic as C:D).
- Ignoring digit-based patterns: For two-digit numbers, always consider operations on individual digits.
- Calculation errors: Simple arithmetic mistakes can lead to wrong pattern identification - double-check calculations.
- Forgetting alternative patterns: Some questions may have multiple valid patterns - choose the most straightforward one.
- Neglecting to verify: Always test your identified pattern with the given numbers before finalizing the answer.
✅ Strategies for Success:
- Practice daily: Solve at least 20 number analogy questions every day to build pattern recognition skills.
- Create a pattern bank: Maintain a notebook of all different types of patterns you encounter.
- Time yourself: Regularly take timed tests to improve speed and accuracy under pressure.
- Analyze mistakes: Carefully review every wrong answer to understand where your approach went wrong.
- Mix difficulty levels: Practice both easy and difficult questions to be prepared for any level in exams.
🛑 Crucial Reminders:
- Relationship must be consistent: The same exact operation must apply to both given pairs.
- Watch for multiple patterns: Some questions may have more than one valid solution - choose the most direct one.
- Prime numbers are special: Always consider prime number properties when they appear in questions.
- Position matters: For numbers like 25, 36, 49, etc., immediately consider square/cube relationships.
- Digits can be clues: For numbers like 12, 23, 34 (consecutive digits), special patterns often apply.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions About Number Analogy
Number Analogy involves identifying relationships between numbers and applying the same relationship to find missing numbers. It's crucial for competitive exams as it tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and quantitative reasoning skills - all essential for exams like SSC, Banking, and UPSC.
This topic typically carries 2-5 marks in most exams and with proper practice, can be solved quickly, making it a high-scoring section. It forms the foundation for more complex quantitative aptitude questions.
Effective preparation strategies include:
- Master basic mathematical operations and properties thoroughly
- Practice different types of number relationships systematically
- Develop quick identification skills for common patterns
- Solve previous year questions to understand exam patterns
- Time yourself during practice to improve speed
Regular practice with analysis of mistakes is key. Create a pattern bank of all relationships you encounter for quick revision.
Number Analogy appears in almost all major competitive exams in India, including:
- SSC Exams: CGL, CHSL, CPO, Steno, GD Constable
- Banking Exams: IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B/Assistant
- UPSC: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Railway Exams: RRB NTPC, Group D, JE
- State PSCs: UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC, TNPSC, etc.
- Other Exams: CAT, MAT, CMAT, Defence Exams (CDS, AFCAT)
The difficulty level varies across exams, with banking exams typically having simpler questions and CAT/UPSC CSAT having more complex ones.
Number Analogy is typically considered moderate difficulty but can become challenging with complex patterns. The difficulty perception varies:
- Easy: Basic arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷) and simple squares/cubes
- Moderate: Multi-step operations and digit-based relationships
- Difficult: Complex patterns involving multiple operations or abstract relationships
Common pitfalls include overlooking simple relationships, not verifying patterns work both ways, getting stuck on one approach, and making calculation errors in multi-step problems.
The most effective approach to master Number Analogy involves:
- Conceptual clarity: Understand all types of number relationships thoroughly
- Pattern recognition: Practice extensively to instantly identify common patterns
- Error analysis: Carefully analyze mistakes to identify and strengthen weak areas
- Speed development: Learn shortcuts for common patterns and practice timed exercises
- Exam simulation: Take regular mock tests under exam conditions to assess progress
Consistent daily practice of 20-30 questions with proper analysis is more effective than sporadic, intensive study sessions. Quality of practice matters more than quantity.
Sandeep Nehra
B.Tech (Mech) | MBA (HRM & IB) | Lead Developer & Reasoning Expert (16+ Yrs)
Sandeep is a Mechanical Engineer and dual MBA (HR & International Business) with over 16 years of experience as a Senior Web Architect and Tech Lead. Combining his engineering precision with deep behavioral insights, he founded ReasoningAbility.com to revolutionize competitive exam preparation. His unique methodology — blending logical structuring from engineering with psychological clarity from HRM — helps aspirants crack BITSAT, SSC, and Banking exams faster. His mission remains simple: provide high-quality, free practice resources that turn complex logic into accessible, high-speed solving techniques for students worldwide.