How do I solve number analogies fast?

Test the common operations in order: addition/subtraction of a constant, multiplication/division, squares, and cubes. For 4 : 16, the relation could be ×4 or 4². Check which pattern also fits the second pair to resolve the ambiguity.

How do letter analogies work?

Convert letters to positions (A=1 … Z=26) and find the shift or pattern. For example, in CE : GI, C(3)→E(5) is +2 and the pair jumps +4 to G(7)→I(9), also +2 — so the rule is 'next-next letter, gap of 2'.

Are analogies common in TNPSC and bank exams?

Yes — analogy questions appear in TNPSC Mental Ability and most reasoning sections (word, number, and letter types). They are quick marks once you practise spotting the underlying relationship.

Analogies — Relationship Patterns & Worked Examples | TNPSC, SSC, Bank

Quick Concept Summary

An analogy says "A is to B as C is to D." Your task is to find the exact relationship between the first pair and apply the same relationship to complete the second pair. The skill is precision: vague relations lead to trap options. Always phrase the link as a clear sentence before choosing an answer.

Types of Analogies

Type	Example	Relationship
Word / Meaning	Pen : Write :: Knife : Cut	tool : its function
Classification	Rose : Flower :: Mango : Fruit	item : category
Number	4 : 16 :: 5 : 25	n : n²
Letter	CE : GI :: KM : OQ	shift by fixed gap
Cause–Effect	Rain : Flood :: Spark : Fire	cause : effect
Part–Whole	Wheel : Car :: Page : Book	part : whole

The Method

1. State the relation in the first pair as a sentence. 2. Make it specific (not just "related to" — say how). 3. Apply the same relation to the second pair. 4. If two options seem to fit, refine the relation until only one survives.

Number & Letter Tricks

Number: test +, −, ×, ÷, squares (n²), cubes (n³), and ±constant.
Letter: convert to positions (A=1…Z=26); find the shift; watch for reverse-order patterns.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ? Relation: "works in." → School.

Example 2: 7 : 49 :: 9 : ? Relation: n : n². → 9² = 81.

Example 3: DF : HJ :: PR : ? D(4)→F(6) gap 2; pair shifts +4 → H(8)J(10). So PR shifts +4 → T(20)V(22) → TV.

Example 4: Hunger : Food :: Thirst : ? Relation: "need : what satisfies it." → Water.

Common Mistakes

Settling for a vague relation ("both are animals") when a precise one is needed.
In number analogies, stopping at the first operation that fits one pair but not the other.
Ignoring order — "A : B" is directional; B : A may be a different relation.

Exam Tips

Always verbalise the relationship before scanning options.
For number analogies, keep squares and cubes of 1–15 ready in memory.
If two options fit, the relation was too loose — sharpen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

First, state the relationship in the given pair as a precise sentence — for example, 'A is the tool used by B' or 'B is the second number times 3'. Then apply that exact relationship to find the missing term. Defining the relation in words prevents picking a 'close but wrong' option.