Analogy & Classification • Topic 1 of 4

Number Analogy

A number analogy gives a related pair like 4 : 16 and asks you to complete a second pair with the same rule. Scan for squares, cubes, +k, ×k, or a digit operation before anything else; confirm the rule on the given pair, then apply it identically.

Name the rule, then reapply it

The pattern in "A : B" must be applied exactly to "C : ?". Work out what was done to A to get B, then do the same to C.

4 square 16 :: 7 square 49
4 → 16 is "square", so 7 → 49. Find the operation, then repeat it.
Common ruleExample
Square / Cube4:16 · 3:27
n × (n+1)6:42 · 9:90
+k or ×k5:30 (×6) · 8:13 (+5)

✅ Solved examples

1. 4 : 16 :: 7 : ?
Rule: square. 7^2 = 49.
2. 3 : 27 :: 5 : ?
Rule: cube. 5^3 = 125.
3. 6 : 42 :: 9 : ?
Rule: n × (n+1). 9 × 10 = 90.
4. 12 : 144 :: 11 : ?
Rule: square. 11^2 = 121.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. 8 : 64 :: 5 : ?
Square?
5^2.
—
25
2. 2 : 8 :: 3 : ?
Cube.
3^3.
—
27
3. 7 : 56 :: 4 : ?
n × (n+1).
4 × 5.
—
20
4. 9 : 81 :: 6 : ?
Square.
6^2.
—
36
5. 5 : 30 :: 8 : ?
n × (n+1).
8 × 9.
—
72

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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