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 fashion. However, one figure is not like the other four.
Choose the figure which is different from the rest.
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
- E.
5
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept: In a classification (odd-one-out) reasoning item, four figures share one specific structural rule while a single figure violates it. The task is to isolate that one differentiating rule — which is often something subtle, such as where a decorative element attaches — rather than a surface-level trait like the overall outline shape of the figure.
Application: Compare where the pins (the star-burst marks above each shape) attach on every figure.
Figure | Outline shape | Where the pins attach |
|---|---|---|
(1) | Pentagon (house-shape) | A single point at the top vertex |
(2) | Inverted triangle | Points along the top side |
(3) | Square | Points along the top side |
(4) | Hexagon | Points along the top side |
(5) | Parallelogram | Points along the top side |
Cross-check: Figures (2), (3), (4) and (5) all follow the same rule — pins attached to a side — even though their outline shapes differ (triangle, square, hexagon, parallelogram). This confirms outline shape is the distractor, not the classifying trait. Figure (1) alone breaks the rule: its pins converge at a vertex instead of a side.
Result: Figure (1) is different from the rest.