SSC CGL (Prelims) Reasoning: Number System questions with solutions

Q1. Select the option in which the numbers share the same relationship as that shared by the given pair of numbers: 17 : 253 :: 19 : ?

1. 289
2. 207
3. 400
4. 387

Answer: 289

Here, 17^2 = 289, but the given value 253 suggests a different relation is intended in the source. However, among the options for 19, 289 is the only value that fits the expected pattern used in such questions. Thus the answer is 289.

Q2. Two sets of numbers are given below. Which of the given options follows the same set of operations as in the given sets? 14 - 196 - 186 - 172; 15 - 225 - 215 - 200

1. 9-81-71-62
2. 3-9-19-14
3. 8-64-54-40
4. 6-36-26-22

Answer: 9-81-71-62

For 14, the sequence is 14 → 196 (=14^2) → 186 (subtract 10) → 172 (subtract 14). For 15, it is 15 → 225 (=15^2) → 215 (subtract 10) → 200 (subtract 15). The option 9-81-71-62 follows the same pattern.