Analogy

Table of Contents

1. 1: Foundation & Types of Analogies
2. 2: Letter / Alphabet Analogies
3. 3: Number Analogies
4. 4: Word / Verbal Analogies
5. 5: Mixed / Symbolic Analogies
6. Official Analogy Practice Lab (50 MCQs)

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1. Foundation & Types of Analogies

1.1 What is an Analogy?

An analogy is a comparison between two pairs of items that share the same relationship. In exam questions, you are given a pair (A : B) and then another pair (C : ?), and you must find the missing term such that the relationship between C and the missing term is identical to that between A and B.

The relationship can be based on:
· Letters (position, sequence)
· Numbers (arithmetic, geometric)
· Words (meaning, function)
· Symbols or a mix

General form:
A : B :: C : D
Read as “A is to B as C is to D”.

1.2 Types of Analogies by Domain

Type 1 – Letter Analogies

Only alphabets are involved. Relationships include:
· Forward/backward positions (A → B, K → L)
· Skipping fixed numbers (A → C, B → D)
· Reversal (AB → BA, ABC → CBA)
· Positional operations (A=1, B=2, etc.)
· Mirror images / opposite letters (A ↔ Z, B ↔ Y)

Type 2 – Number Analogies

Only numbers appear. Relationships include:
· Arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷)
· Squares, cubes, roots
· Digit manipulation (reverse, sum of digits)
· Series patterns (prime, composite, etc.)

Type 3 – Word / Verbal Analogies

Words are used, often requiring vocabulary. Common relationships:
· Synonym / Antonym
· Part to whole (finger : hand)
· Cause and effect (rain : flood)
· Tool and function (knife : cut)
· Degree (warm : hot)
· Class / category (dog : mammal)

Type 4 – Mixed / Symbolic Analogies

Combine letters, numbers, symbols; sometimes visual or diagrammatic. Examples:
· A1 : B2 :: C3 : ? (both letter and number increment)
· @# : $% :: &* : ? (symbol progression)
· Figural analogies (shape rotations, reflections)

1.3 Structure of Analogy Questions

In exams, analogies appear in two main formats:

1. Direct Analogy – A : B :: C : ? (You find the missing term)
2. Completing the Analogy – Sometimes the second pair is given with one missing term in either the first or second pair.
3. Choosing the Correct Pair – You may be given a pair and several options, and you must pick the pair that exhibits the same relationship.

1.4 General Methodology

A systematic approach will help you solve analogies quickly and accurately:

1. Identify the relationship in the given pair (A : B). Ask: How do I get from A to B?
   · Is it a simple transformation?
   · Is it a functional relationship?
   · Is it a classification?
2. Write the relationship in abstract form – e.g., “B = A + 2 positions in alphabet.”
3. Apply the same relationship to C to find the missing term.
4. Check all options if multiple choices are given; sometimes more than one might seem plausible, but only one fits exactly.

1.5 Common Pitfalls

1.6 Worked Examples – Foundation Level

Example 1 – Letter Analogy (Simple)

• Question: A : C :: B : ?
• Relationship: From A to C: +2 positions (A=1, C=3).
• Apply to B: 2 + 2 = 4 → D.
• Answer: D

Example 2 – Number Analogy (Simple)

• Question: 4 : 8 :: 7 : ?
• Relationship: 4 × 2 = 8.
• Apply to 7: 7 × 2 = 14.
• Answer: 14

Example 3 – Word Analogy (Basic)

• Question: Puppy : Dog :: Kitten : ?
• Relationship: Puppy is a young dog.
• Apply: Kitten is a young cat.
• Answer: Cat

Example 4 – Mixed Analogy

• Question: A1 : B2 :: C3 : ?
• Relationship: Letter increments by 1, number increments by 1.
• Apply to C3: letter C → D, number 3 → 4 → D4.
• Answer: D4

1.7 Quick Practice – Foundation Level

1. B : E :: F : ?
2. 10 : 5 :: 18 : ?
3. Hand : Glove :: Foot : ?
4. Z : A :: Y : ?
5. 2A : 4B :: 3C : ?

Answers:

1. I (B→E is +3; F+3=I)
2. 9 (10 ÷ 2 = 5; 18 ÷ 2 = 9)
3. Sock (glove covers hand; sock covers foot)
4. Z (Z to A is +1 wrapping circular mod 26; Y+1=Z)
5. 6D (2A→4B: letter +1, number ×2; 3C → letter D, number 6 → 6D)

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Summary of Subtopic 1

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2. Letter / Alphabet Analogies

2.1 Core Knowledge – Alphabet Positions

Before solving any letter analogy, you must have instant recall of:
· Forward positions: A=1, B=2, …, Z=26
· Reverse positions: A=26, B=25, …, Z=1
· EJOTY mnemonic: E=5, J=10, O=15, T=20, Y=25 – anchor points for quick reference.

Opposite letters:
A ↔ Z, B ↔ Y, C ↔ X, D ↔ W, …, M ↔ N.
Sum of forward positions of opposite letters = 27.
Example: A(1) + Z(26) = 27; B(2) + Y(25) = 27.

Circular nature: After Z, the next letter is A again (cyclic).

2.2 Types of Relationships in Letter Analogies

Type 1 – Simple Positional Increment / Decrement

The second letter is obtained by adding (or subtracting) a fixed number.

• B : E → B=2, E=5 → +3
• F : C → F=6, C=3 → -3
• Z : C → Z=26, C=3 → +3 in cyclic sense (26+3=29→3).

Type 2 – Skipping / Alternating Patterns

• A : C → skip one letter (B) → +2
• A : D → skip two letters (B, C) → +3

Type 3 – Positional Operations

• AB : BC → Each letter +1.
• AC : CE → Each letter +2.

Type 4 – Opposite / Mirror Letters

The relationship is “letter opposite in alphabet”.

• A : Z, B : Y, M : N.

Type 5 – Pair Based (Two Letters to Two Letters)

• AB : BA (Reversal)
• AC : BD (A→B is +1, C→D is +1)

Type 6 – Vowel / Consonant Shifts

• A : E → next vowel.
• B : D → next consonant.

2.3 Step‑by‑Step Methodology

1. Convert letters to numbers (forward positions).
2. Identify the transformation (addition, subtraction, etc.).
3. Check direction (A→B same as C→D).
4. Consider cyclic behavior (wrap around at Z/A).
5. Apply rule to the third term.

2.4 Worked Examples

Example 1 – Simple Increment

• Question: D : G :: K : ?
• Solution: D=4, G=7 (+3). K=11 + 3 = 14 → N.
• Answer: N

Example 2 – Circular Increment

• Question: X : A :: Z : ?
• Solution: X=24, A=1 (+3 cyclic). Z=26 + 3 = 29 → 3 → C.
• Answer: C

Example 3 – Opposite Letters

• Question: C : X :: F : ?
• Solution: C=3, X=24 (Sum=27). F=6 → 27-6=21 → U.
• Answer: U

Example 4 – Series Completion

• Question: ACEG : BDFH :: ? : CEGI
• Solution: First to second is +1 each letter. To find third from fourth, subtract 1 from each letter in CEGI: BDFH.
• Answer: BDFH

2.5 Common Mistakes

2.6 Pro Tips for Speed

• Memorize the 27‑complement rule for opposite letters.
• Use EJOTY anchors to skip counting from A.
• For cyclic operations, use modulo arithmetic.

2.7 Practice Set – Letter Analogies

1. F : I :: J : ? (Ans: M)
2. Z : C :: X : ? (Ans: A)
3. AB : DE :: GH : ? (Ans: JK)
4. B : Y :: G : ? (Ans: T)
5. AC : EG :: BD : ? (Ans: FH)

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Summary of Subtopic 2

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3. Number Analogies

3.1 Core Concepts – Understanding Number Relationships

Number analogies present two numbers in the first pair (A : B) and a third number (C : ?). The relationship between A and B must be identical to that between C and the missing number.

Common relationships:

• Arithmetic: +, -, ×, ÷.
• Geometric: Squares, cubes, roots.
• Digit manipulation: Sum/product of digits, reversal.
• Properties: Prime, composite, factorial.

3.2 Types of Number Analogies

Type 1 – Simple Arithmetic Operations

• Addition/Subtraction: 4 : 7 (+3)
• Multiplication/Division: 5 : 25 (×5)
• Combined: 3 : 11 (3×3+2)

Type 2 – Squares / Cubes / Powers

• Squares: 5 : 25, 6 : 36
• Cubes: 2 : 8, 3 : 27
• Roots: 16 : 4, 169 : 13

Type 3 – Digit Manipulation

• Reversal: 12 : 21, 53 : 35
• Sum of digits: 23 : 5 (2+3)
• Product of digits: 24 : 8 (2×4)

Type 4 – Number Properties

• Next prime: 7 : 11, 13 : 17
• Even/Odd progression: 4 : 5 (even to next odd)

Type 5 – Multiple Operations

• Step rule: n × (n+1) or n² + n.
  Example: 3 : 12 (3×4), so 5 : 30 (5×6).

3.3 Step‑by‑Step Methodology

1. Observe first pair (A : B). Find the operation (e.g., B = A × 2 + 1).
2. Write the rule as an equation.
3. Apply rule to C.
4. Verify options in case of ambiguity.

3.4 Worked Examples

Example 1 – Combined Operation

• Question: 5 : 26 :: 7 : ?
• Rule: 5² + 1 = 26.
• Apply to 7: 7² + 1 = 50.
• Answer: 50

Example 2 – Digit Manipulation

• Question: 23 : 5 :: 47 : ?
• Rule: 2 + 3 = 5 (sum of digits).
• Apply to 47: 4 + 7 = 11.
• Answer: 11

Example 3 – Multi-step (n² + n)

• Question: 3 : 12 :: 5 : ?
• Rule: 3² + 3 = 12.
• Apply to 5: 5² + 5 = 30.
• Answer: 30

Example 4 – Prime Progression

• Question: 7 : 11 :: 13 : ?
• Rule: Next prime number.
• Apply to 13: 17.
• Answer: 17

3.5 Common Mistakes

3.6 Pro Tips for Speed

• Memorize squares up to 30 and cubes up to 10.
• Quickly compute sum and product of digits for 2-digit numbers.
• Start with simple operations, then move to powers and patterns.

3.7 Practice Set – Number Analogies

1. 7 : 49 :: 9 : ? (Ans: 81)
2. 13 : 18 :: 25 : ? (Ans: 30)
3. 64 : 8 :: 100 : ? (Ans: 10)
4. 31 : 4 :: 52 : ? (Ans: 7)
5. 11 : 2 :: 33 : ? (Ans: 6)

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Summary of Subtopic 3

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4. Word / Verbal Analogies

4.1 Core Concepts – What Are Verbal Analogies?

A verbal analogy presents two words (or sometimes phrases) that share a specific relationship. You must identify that relationship and then find a fourth word that has the same relationship with a given third word.

Format:
A : B :: C : ?
Read as “A is to B as C is to ?”

The relationship can be based on:
· Meaning – synonyms, antonyms, degree, etc.
· Function – tool : action, worker : workplace, etc.
· Association – cause : effect, part : whole, etc.
· Grammar – noun : verb, adjective : adverb, etc.
· Classification – member : group, species : genus, etc.
· Logical relationships – chronological, sequential, etc.

Strong vocabulary and a mental catalog of common relationship types are essential.

4.2 Common Types of Verbal Analogies

Type 1 – Synonym

The two words have the same or very similar meaning.

• Happy : Joyful
• Begin : Start
• Rich : Wealthy

Type 2 – Antonym

The two words have opposite meanings.

• Hot : Cold
• Love : Hate
• Increase : Decrease

Type 3 – Degree / Intensity

One word is a milder or stronger version of the other.

• Warm : Hot (degree of heat)
• Angry : Furious (intensity)
• Small : Tiny (degree)

Type 4 – Part to Whole

One word is a component of the other.

• Finger : Hand
• Page : Book
• Room : House

Type 5 – Whole to Part

The reverse of the above: the whole is to its part.

• Hand : Finger
• Book : Page
• House : Room

Type 6 – Function / Purpose

One word is the tool or object, the other is its purpose or action.

• Knife : Cut
• Pen : Write
• Thermometer : Temperature

Type 7 – Worker / Agent and Workplace / Tool / Product

• Worker : Workplace – Teacher : School
• Worker : Tool – Painter : Brush
• Worker : Product – Poet : Poem

Type 8 – Cause and Effect

One word causes the other.

• Rain : Flood
• Study : Knowledge
• Exercise : Health

Type 9 – Sequence / Chronology

Words that appear in a natural order.

• Child : Adult (age progression)
• Dawn : Dusk (time of day)
• Seed : Plant (growth)

Type 10 – Characteristic / Quality

One word describes a quality or characteristic of the other.

• Ice : Cold
• Gold : Precious
• Lion : Courageous

Type 11 – Class / Category

One is a member of the other category.

• Dog : Mammal
• Rose : Flower
• Car : Vehicle

Type 12 – Gender

Male and female counterparts.

• Actor : Actress
• Lion : Lioness
• Bride : Groom (female : male)

Type 13 – Age / Young One

Adult : young.

• Dog : Puppy
• Cat : Kitten
• Cow : Calf

Type 14 – Action / Object

One word is an action, the other is the object of that action.

• Paint : Portrait
• Bake : Cake
• Teach : Student

Type 15 – Symbol / Representation

One word represents the other symbolically.

• Dove : Peace
• Red : Danger
• Crown : Kingdom

Type 16 – Grammar Based

Noun : verb, adjective : adverb, singular : plural, etc.

• Quick : Quickly (adjective : adverb)
• Run : Ran (present : past)
• Child : Children (singular : plural)

Type 17 – Mathematical / Quantitative

Relationships like double, half, etc., but with words.

• Duo : Two (group : number)
• Decade : Ten
• Century : Hundred

4.3 Step‑by‑Step Methodology

1. Read the given pair carefully.
2. Formulate the relationship in your own words. Be precise.
   · Example: “Puppy is the young of a dog.”
   · Example: “Pen is used to write.”
3. Apply the same relationship to the third term.
   · If the relationship is “young of”, and the third term is “cat”, then the answer is “kitten”.
4. Check all options if multiple choices; the correct one will mirror the relationship exactly.
5. Beware of multiple possible relationships – choose the one that is most specific and fits all parts.

4.4 Worked Examples

Example 1 – Synonym

• Question: Happy : Joyful :: Sad : ?
• Relationship: Synonyms.
• Answer: Sorrowful / Miserable.

Example 2 – Antonym

• Question: Light : Dark :: Love : ?
• Relationship: Antonyms.
• Answer: Hate

Example 3 – Degree

• Question: Warm : Hot :: Cool : ?
• Relationship: Increasing intensity.
• Answer: Cold

Example 4 – Part to Whole

• Question: Finger : Hand :: Petal : ?
• Relationship: Finger is a part of hand; petal is a part of flower.
• Answer: Flower

Example 5 – Function

• Question: Knife : Cut :: Pen : ?
• Relationship: Knife is used to cut; pen is used to write.
• Answer: Write

Example 6 – Worker & Workplace

• Question: Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : ?
• Relationship: Doctor works in a hospital; teacher works in a school.
• Answer: School

Example 7 – Cause and Effect

• Question: Cloud : Rain :: Fire : ?
• Relationship: Cloud causes rain; fire causes smoke.
• Answer: Smoke

Example 8 – Characteristic

• Question: Lion : Courageous :: Fox : ?
• Relationship: Lion is courageous; fox is cunning/crafty.
• Answer: Cunning

Example 9 – Class / Category

• Question: Sparrow : Bird :: Rose : ?
• Relationship: Sparrow is a type of bird; rose is a type of flower.
• Answer: Flower

Example 10 – Young One

• Question: Cow : Calf :: Horse : ?
• Relationship: Cow’s young is calf; horse’s young is foal.
• Answer: Foal

4.5 Common Mistakes

4.6 Pro Tips for Speed

• Use sentence bridge: Form a sentence connecting the first pair (e.g., "A [Tool] is used to [Action]").
• Categorize the relationship into one of the 17 types.
• Eliminate wrong options first.

4.7 Practice Set – Verbal Analogies

1. Tall : Short :: Heavy : ? (Ans: Light)
2. Doctor : Patient :: Teacher : ? (Ans: Student)
3. Bread : Baker :: Poem : ? (Ans: Poet)
4. Diamond : Precious :: Coal : ? (Ans: Combustible)
5. Fish : Water :: Bird : ? (Ans: Air / Sky)
6. Kindness : Cruelty :: Love : ? (Ans: Hatred)
7. Hour : Minute :: Day : ? (Ans: Hour)
8. Pig : Sty :: Bird : ? (Ans: Nest)
9. Mend : Repair :: Break : ? (Ans: Shatter)
10. Ophthalmologist : Eye :: Cardiologist : ? (Ans: Heart)

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Summary of Subtopic 4

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5. Mixed / Symbolic Analogies

5.1 What Are Mixed / Symbolic Analogies?

In mixed analogies, terms consist of combinations of:
· Letters (A–Z)
· Numbers (0–9)
· Symbols (@, #, $, %, etc.)
· Figural / Diagrammatic patterns

The relationship may involve:

• Positional changes and shifts.
• Symbol sequences and repetitions.
• Coding patterns (A=1, B=2, etc.).
• Combined operations on letters and numbers.
• Visual transformations (rotation, reflection).

5.2 Types of Mixed Analogies

Type 1 – Alphanumeric (Letter + Number)

• Independent: A1 : B2 :: C3 : D4 (both +1).
• Dependent: A1 : B4 :: C9 : D16 (number = position squared).
• Inter-digit: A2 : C6 :: B4 : D12 (letter +2, number ×3).

Type 2 – Symbolic Analogies (Symbols Only)

• Sequence: @, #, $, %, &, *
• Reversal: @# : #@
• Cycling: @ : @@ :: # : ##

Type 3 – Mixed with Symbols + Letters/Numbers

• @1 : #2 :: $3 : %4 (symbol progresses, number increments).
• A@ : B# :: C$ : D% (letter +1, symbol progresses).

Type 4 – Figural / Diagrammatic Analogies

Transformations of shapes:

• Rotation, Reflection, Addition/Removal, Shading changes.

5.3 Step‑by‑Step Methodology

1. Separate the components – letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Analyze each transformation independently.
3. Check for dependencies between components.
4. Apply rule to the third term.
5. For figural analogies, trace individual elements.

5.4 Worked Examples

Example 1 – Alphanumeric (Independent)

• Question: A2 : B3 :: C4 : ?
• Solution: A→B (+1), 2→3 (+1). C4 → D5.
• Answer: D5

Example 2 – Symbol + Number

• Question: @1 : #2 :: $3 : ?
• Solution: @→#→$→%, 1→2→3→4.
• Answer: %4

Example 3 – Figural Logic (Rotation)

• Question: Figure rotated 90° CW.
• Apply to Figure 3 to get Figure 4.
• Answer: Figure 4 (based on CW 90° rotation).

5.5 Common Mistakes

5.6 Pro Tips for Mixed Analogies

• Write down your symbol sequence on scratch paper.
• Trace single elements in figural questions.
• Convert letters to numbers to see mathematical rules.

5.7 Practice Set – Mixed / Symbolic Analogies

1. A1 : C4 :: E9 : ? (Ans: G16 or G12 depending on interpretation)
2. @2 : #4 :: $6 : ? (Ans: %8)
3. AB : CD :: XY : ? (Ans: ZA)
4. P@ : Q# :: R$ : ? (Ans: S%)
5. 12A : 34B :: 56C : ? (Ans: 78D)

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Summary of Subtopic 5

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Complete Analogies Topic – Final Recap

We have now covered all five subtopics of Analogies:

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Official Analogy Practice Lab (50 MCQs)