Multiplication Analogy

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.

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200+Practice Questions
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Introduction to Multiplication Analogy

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.

Prerequisites

Basic multiplication skills Understanding of constant ratio Factor recognition Simple arithmetic operations
Why This Matters: Multiplication Analogy problems appear in 2-3 questions in SSC CGL, 2-3 in Banking PO, and 2-3 in Railways RRB exams.

How to Solve Multiplication Analogy Problems

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Step 1: Identify the two numbers in the given analogy pair (A:B)

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Step 2: Calculate the ratio: B ÷ A = k (if A ≠ 0)

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Step 3: Verify that the same ratio applies consistently

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Step 4: Apply the same multiplier to the second pair's first number: ? = C × k

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Step 5: For division relationship (B = A ÷ k), apply accordingly

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Step 6: Check if the multiplier follows a pattern (e.g., ×2, ×3, ×4)

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Step 7: Present the answer

Pro Strategy: Always calculate the ratio (B ÷ A) for the first pair. Apply the same multiplier to the second pair. For fractional multipliers, convert to fractions for accuracy.

Example Problem

Example: 5 : 25 :: 7 : ? Solution: Step 1: First pair: 5 and 25 Step 2: Ratio = 25 ÷ 5 = 5 Step 3: Relationship: Multiply by 5 Step 4: Apply to 7: 7 × 5 = 35 Answer: 35

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Ratio = Second number ÷ First number
  • Multiplier can be integer or fraction (e.g., 8:4 = ×0.5)
  • For multiple examples, verify consistency
  • Common multipliers: 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 0.5, 1.5
  • Watch for patterns where multiplier increases (e.g., ×2, ×3, ×4)
  • Check if the relationship is commutative (A × k = B, B ÷ k = A)

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A:B, then ? = C × (B ÷ A)
Constant multiplier = B ÷ A
For square relationships, multiplier may be A (e.g., 3:9 = ×3, 3 is first number)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Multiplying instead of dividing when relationship is division
Using addition instead of multiplication
Forgetting to verify the pattern with all given pairs
Using the wrong direction (A to B vs B to A)

Exam Importance

Multiplication Analogy is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
2-3 questions
BANKING PO
2-3 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
2-3 questions
CAT
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
2-3 questions

Ready to Master Multiplication Analogy?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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