Logical Reasoning Notes BITSAT

SHORT NOTES

NUMBER SERIES
& ANALOGY

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 Logical Reasoning Notes BITSAT

1. Basics Used in Number Series:

A number series is an ordered set of numbers having a certain pattern, where some numbers are
missing or placed mistakenly and we have to observe the correct pattern and find the missing
number or to pick the correct number which would replace the incorrect number in the set.

2. Classification of Number Series:

A few examples of number series are explained below:

(i) Arithmetic Series: The series progresses with addition or subtraction of some specific numbers.

(a) Example: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21

(b) Example: 5, 10, 17, 26, 37, 50, 65

(ii) Geometric Series: The ratio between successive terms is constant throughout the series.

(a) Example: 4, 12, 36, 108, 324, 972

(b) Example: 128, 64, 32, 16, 8

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 Logical Reasoning Notes BITSAT

(iii) Arithmetico-Geometric Series: Combination of arithmetic and geometric series. The difference
of successive terms is in a geometric series.

Example: 1, 8, 22, 50, 106, 218

(iv) Product series: Each term is multiplied by a specific number pattern to get the next successive
number.

Example: 30, 180, 900, 3600, 10800, 21600

(v) Square or cube series: Numbers series progresses with squaring or cubing of the numbers.

(a) Example: 4, 16, 36, 64, 100 (squaring)

(b) Example: 1, 8, 64, 125, 216, 343 (Cubing)

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 Logical Reasoning Notes BITSAT

(vi) Mixed series: More than one series pattern is involved.

Example: 61, 72, 60, 73, 59, 74, 58, 75

3. Patterns Followed in Number Series:

Three basics patterns are followed in number series:

(i) Ascending : Numbers are written from smaller to bigger.

(ii) Descending : Numbers are written from bigger to smaller.

(iii) Oscillating : Numbers are written from smaller to bigger alternatively.

4. Pattern Identification Techniques:

Following approach can be utilized to identify the pattern:

(i) Check for direct formulas applied in any series.

(ii) If numbers are succeeding by some addition, subtraction, multiplications or divisions by a

specific number.

(iii) If the numbers are perfect squares or cubes.

(iv) If the numbers are even or odd.

(v) If the numbers have a particular divisibility.

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 Logical Reasoning Notes BITSAT

NUMBER ANALOGY
1. Basics of Number Analogy:

In number analogy, the individual must observe and identify the pattern to point out similarities or
dissimilarities between numbers or a set of numbers. Either one term is needed to be found or one
pair is needed to be found.

Different sets or series that are commonly used are Arithmetic progression, geometric progression,
series of squares, cubes, odd numbers, even numbers, multiples of a specific number,
exponentials, and prime numbers. We can also have a combination of these.

2. Types of Number Analogy:

Questions asked are mainly of two types which are as follows:

(i) Choosing a similar pair based on the relation between numbers in each pair.

For example:

Question: 8 : 64 :: 25 : ?

(a) 689

(b) 225

(c) 625

(d) 886

Solution: 64 is the square of 8, the square of 25 will be 625 Hence, the correct answer is (c).

(ii) Choosing a number similar to a set of numbers based on certain common relations that they
possess.

For example:

Question: Choose one number which is similar to the numbers in the given set.

Given set : 64, 81, 100, ?

(a) 121

(b) 25

(c) 169

(d) 27

Solution: The set is formed by perfect squares of 8,9 and 10. The next must be the square of 11 i.e.
121. Hence, the correct answer is (a).

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