“The Mathematical Chameleon”

If Word Analogy is the "Art" of reasoning, Number Analogy is the "Mathematics" of it—but with a twist. In standard math, 2 + 2 is always 4. In Analogy, 2 related to 4 could mean 2², 2 × 2, or even "Next Even Number."

Mentor’s Advice: Do not just calculate; observe. The examiner is not testing your ability to multiply; they are testing your ability to spot a pattern under pressure.

1. What is Number Analogy?

In this format, you are presented with a pair of numbers that share a mathematical relationship. You must identify this hidden "code" and apply it to a second pair to find the missing number.

2. The "Priority Ladder" (Mentor’s Strategy)

When you see a question, your brain might flood with possibilities. To save time, check for patterns in this specific order (The P.S.M.A. Rule):

• P - Prime Numbers: Is it a series of primes? (e.g., 7 : 11 :: 13 : ?)
• S - Squares & Cubes: Is it n² or n³? Or maybe n² - 1?
• M - Multiplication/Division: Is it ×3, or ×2 + 1?
• A - Addition/Subtraction: The last resort. Is it just +5?

3. Deep Dive into Relationship Types

Type A: The Power Play (Squares & Cubes)

This is the favorite area for State PCS and Graduate Level exams.

• Direct: 4 : 16 (4 is squared).
• Modified: 5 : 26 (This is 5² + 1).
• Complex: 6 : 222 (This is 6³ + 6). Tip: Always check if the number is added to its own cube.

Type B: The Multiplier (Multiplication & Division)

Numbers grow fast, but not as fast as squares.

• Constant: 5 : 15 (5×3) :: 8 : 24 (8×3).
• The "Half-step": 6 : 12 :: 10 : 20 (Doubling).
• The "Times plus" logic: 5 : 16 :: 7 : 22 (Logic: ×3 + 1).

Type C: The Digital Game (Sum & Difference of Digits)

When the numbers are large but the change is small, look at the digits inside the number.

• Sum of Digits: 25 : 7 (Logic: 2 + 5 = 7).
• Product of Digits: 43 : 12 (Logic: 4 × 3 = 12).
• Permutation: 123 : 321 (Reversing the digits).

Type D: Even/Odd & Primes

• Even/Odd: Simple classification. 22 : 74 (Both Even).
• Prime Gap: 13 : 17 (Next prime number).

4. Assessment: Previous Years' Questions (PYQ)

These are high-frequency questions found in State Civil Services and Combined Graduate Level exams. Solve them using the Priority Ladder.