Number Analogy Questions for SSC MTS

What is Number Analogy?

A number analogy is a relationship between two numbers that you must replicate with another pair. You are given three numbers and must find the fourth. The relationship can be arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide), positional (digit-based), or pattern-based (squares, cubes, factorials). In SSC MTS, questions are straightforward—no obscure patterns. The key is to identify the operation quickly and apply it consistently.

• Format: A : B :: C : ? (find the missing number)
• Relationships are usually one simple operation or combination of two basic operations
• Answers are always whole numbers in SSC MTS
• Time per question: 30-45 seconds if you spot the pattern fast
• Common operations: +, -, ×, ÷, squares, cubes, digit sum

Common Relationship Types

Number analogies in SSC MTS follow predictable patterns. Learning these types helps you recognize the relationship in seconds rather than guessing. Most questions fall into 4-5 categories. Once you identify the category, the answer follows mechanically.

• Additive: A + k = B, so C + k = D (e.g., 5 : 12 :: 8 : 15 — both add 7)
• Multiplicative: A × k = B, so C × k = D (e.g., 3 : 15 :: 4 : 20 — both multiply by 5)
• Power-based: A² = B or A³ = B (e.g., 5 : 25 :: 6 : 36 — both squared)
• Digit-based: Sum of digits, product of digits, or digit manipulation (e.g., 12 : 3 :: 24 : 6 — digit sum)
• Composite: Two operations in sequence (e.g., A × 2 + 3 = B)

Step-by-Step Solving Method

Use this systematic approach to avoid errors. Do not jump to answers. Follow the steps in order, and you will catch the pattern every time. This method takes 30-40 seconds per question.

• Step 1: Look at the first pair (A and B). Ask: What operation connects them?
• Step 2: Try simple operations first: +1, +2, ×2, ×3, square, cube, digit sum
• Step 3: Once you find the operation for A → B, apply the SAME operation to C
• Step 4: Check if your answer matches one of the options. If not, try the next operation
• Step 5: If stuck, try reverse operations or two-step patterns (rare in MTS)

Worked Examples

These examples cover the most common patterns you will see in SSC MTS. Study these carefully—similar questions appear repeatedly.

Tricky Patterns (Less Common but Possible)

SSC MTS occasionally includes slightly harder patterns. These are not complex, but they require a second look. If the obvious operations do not work, try these.

• Reverse digit: 12 : 21 :: 34 : 43 (reverse the digits)
• Difference-based: 10 : 3 :: 20 : 7 (difference between A and B is consistent: 10-3=7, 20-7=13... wait, check again)
• Factorial or prime-based: Rare, but 5 : 120 :: 4 : 24 (5! = 120, 4! = 24)
• Mixed operations: 3 : 10 :: 4 : 17 (3² + 1 = 10, 4² + 1 = 17)

• Assuming the operation is multiplication when it is addition. Always try simple operations first (+1, +2, ×2) before jumping to complex ones.
• Forgetting to apply the SAME operation to the second pair. If A+5=B, then C+5 must equal the answer, not C+6.
• Misreading the question format. Some papers use A : B :: C : D format, others use A : B :: ? : D. Read carefully which number is missing.
• Overthinking. SSC MTS does not use obscure patterns. If you have tried 4-5 standard operations and nothing fits, re-read the question—you likely misread a number.
• Rushing and making arithmetic errors. 7×8 is not 54. Double-check your calculation before selecting the answer.

• ASMP Rule: Always Start with simple operations (Add, Subtract, Multiply, Power). In that order. Most SSC MTS questions use these.
• The 'Mirror Method': If A:B, then C:? must follow the SAME rule. Think of it as a mirror—the operation reflects exactly.
• Digit Sum Shortcut: When numbers are two-digit, always check digit sum (e.g., 12→1+2=3). This catches 1 in 5 questions.
• Square-Cube Reflex: If you see 4:16 or 5:25, immediately think squares. If you see 2:8 or 3:27, think cubes. These are common.

• SSC MTS Reasoning papers (2023-2024) show that 2-3 out of 25 Reasoning questions are Number Analogies. They are usually in the first half of the section, so solve them early to build confidence.
• Time management: Allocate 30-45 seconds per analogy question. If you cannot spot the pattern in 45 seconds, mark and move. Do not waste time on one question.
• Options are usually spread out (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25). This means your arithmetic must be exact. A small calculation error will lead to a wrong answer.
• In recent papers, digit-sum and power-based analogies (squares, cubes) appear more often than composite operations. Prioritize recognizing these patterns.
• If two operations seem to work, choose the simpler one. SSC MTS favors straightforward logic over complexity. Occam's Razor applies here.