Subtraction Analogy

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.

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200+Practice Questions
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1-2 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Subtraction Analogy

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.

Prerequisites

Basic subtraction skills Understanding of constant difference Pattern recognition Simple arithmetic operations
Why This Matters: Subtraction Analogy problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test basic arithmetic and pattern recognition.

How to Solve Subtraction 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 difference: A - B = d (assuming A > B)

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Step 3: Verify that the same difference applies consistently

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Step 4: Apply the same subtraction to the second pair's first number: ? = C - d

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Step 5: For reverse direction, check if pattern is B = A - d

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Step 6: Check if the subtrahend follows a pattern (e.g., -1, -2, -3)

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Step 7: Present the answer

Pro Strategy: Always calculate the difference (A - B). Apply the same subtraction to the second pair. For decreasing differences, the pattern may involve increasing subtrahend.

Example Problem

Example: 20 : 14 :: 35 : ? Solution: Step 1: First pair: 20 and 14 Step 2: Difference = 20 - 14 = 6 Step 3: Relationship: Subtract 6 from first number Step 4: Apply to 35: 35 - 6 = 29 Answer: 29

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Difference = First number - Second number
  • Subtraction can also be expressed as addition of negative number
  • For multiple examples, verify consistency
  • Common subtrahends: 1-10, 15, 20, 25, 50
  • Watch for patterns where subtrahend increases (e.g., -1, -2, -3)
  • Check if the relationship is commutative (A - d = B, B + d = A)

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A:B, then ? = C - (A - B)
Constant difference = A - B
For reverse pattern: A = B + d, then answer = C + d

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Subtracting in wrong direction (B - A instead of A - B)
Adding instead of subtracting
Forgetting to verify the pattern with all given pairs
Using the wrong direction (A to B vs B to A)

Exam Importance

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

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
CAT
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Subtraction 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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