Logical reasoning · lesson 3 of 30 · free

Odd one out: numbers — Logical reasoning for kids

In an odd-one-out question, three numbers belong together and one does not. Check simple properties one by one: even or odd, prime, square, or in the same times table.

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How to think it through

Test every number — “find what three numbers share; the one left out is the answer”

  1. Check each number for a property: even/odd, prime (only two factors), square (4, 9, 16 …), or a multiple of 3, 4, 5 … 9.
  2. Find the property that three numbers share and one does not.
  3. Make sure no other property points at a different number — then that one is the odd one out.

Use it for: Classification questions in Olympiads and aptitude tests, and practice with primes, squares and times tables.

Worked example: Which number is the odd one out: 17, 71, 57, 59? → 57

  1. 17, 71 and 59 are prime numbers (only two factors: 1 and the number itself).
  2. 57 = 3 × 19, so it is not prime — it is the odd one out.

Check: 57 ÷ 3 = 19, while 17, 59 and 71 divide only by 1 and themselves ✓

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🏁 Lesson 3 test

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🖨️ Odd One Out Numbers Worksheet

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