In each problem, out of the five figures marked (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5),…
2023
In each problem, out of the five figures marked (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5), four are similar in a certain manner. However, one figure is not like the other four.
Choose the figure which is different from the rest.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
- E.
5
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: In a figure-classification ('odd one out') problem, four of the five figures are built from the exact same set of component shapes (only their position/orientation inside the box changes); the odd figure swaps one of the shared components for a duplicate of a different component, changing the overall count of shapes by type.
Application: Each figure is made of four small shapes. Comparing them by type (not position) gives:
Figure | Square | Three-sided cup | Two-sided 'L' | Straight line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
(2) | Yes | No | Two | Yes |
(3) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
(4) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
(5) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cross-check: Counting sides confirms it - the cup-shaped piece always has 3 sides and the angular piece always has 2 sides. Figures (1), (3), (4) and (5) each contain exactly one 3-sided piece and one 2-sided piece. Figure (2) contains zero 3-sided pieces and two 2-sided pieces - the only figure whose shape-count breaks the one-cup/one-angle pattern.
Result: Figure (2) is the different figure.