Find the Number That Breaks the Rule

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Learn the skill

An odd-one-out answer depends on a rule. Check every item against the stated rule, not against what looks unusual. For the rule even numbers, a number must divide into two equal whole-number groups with none left over.

Worked example

For the rule even numbers, 2, 4, 7 and 8 contain one exception: 7. But for the rule less than 8, the exception would be 8. The same list can support different answers when the rule changes.

The numbers are 6, 10, 13 and 18. Under the even rule, 13 is the exception. Under the less-than-15 rule, 18 is the exception. — Test each item against the stated rule, not against a guess.

Detective Evidence

Case A uses the rule even numbers and the list 6, 10, 13, 18. Case B uses the rule less than 15 and that same list. On paper, write a yes or no under each number for each rule. A number that breaks one rule is not a bad number; it simply does not belong to that group.

Question 1 In Case A, which number breaks the even-number rule? Answer

Question 2 In Case B, which number is not less than 15? Answer

Question 3 How many numbers in Case A follow the even-number rule? Answer

Question 4 Why do Cases A and B have different exceptions? One number changed secretly They use different comparison rules Every puzzle has the same answer

Question 5 For the rule multiples of 5, which item breaks the rule in 5, 10, 12, 20? Answer