8. Fill in the nussmg value
Observation of the Figure
The numbers are arranged in a diamond / hexagonal pattern with one value missing in the last (bottom) row:
Top row
Second row
Third row
Fourth row
Bottom row
Step 1: Identify the Pattern
Focus on the bottom row and the row just above it:
Each number in the bottom row is derived from the absolute difference of the two numbers directly above it.
Step 2: Verify the Pattern
Left value
∣4−1∣=3|4 – 1| = 3
✔ Matches the given 3
Right value
∣5−2∣=3|5 – 2| = 3
✔ Matches the given 3
Middle (Missing Value)
∣1−5∣=4|1 – 5| = 4
Final Answer
4\boxed{4}
Explanation of Other Possible Values
| Option | Why it is Incorrect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Difference of 1 and 5 is not 1 |
| 2 | Does not match the absolute difference rule |
| 3 | Would imply identical numbers above |
| 4 | ✅ Correct ( |
Introduction
The fill in the missing value number puzzle is a popular logical reasoning question in competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, GATE, CAT, and Olympiads. These problems test pattern recognition, arithmetic reasoning, and analytical thinking. Let’s decode this puzzle step by step.
Understanding the Number Pattern
The numbers are arranged in a layered diamond structure. The key insight is that:
Each number in the bottom row is the absolute difference of the two numbers directly above it.
Step-by-Step Logic
Given row:
Compute absolute differences:
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|4 − 1| = 3
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|1 − 5| = 4
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|5 − 2| = 3
Thus, the bottom row becomes:
Final Result
4\boxed{4}
Why This Question Is Important
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Enhances logical reasoning skills
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Common in non-verbal & number series sections
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Tests pattern recognition under time pressure
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High-scoring and quick-solve problem in exams
Exam Tip
When you see stacked or pyramid-style numbers, always check:
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Differences
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Sums
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Products
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Absolute values
Absolute difference is one of the most frequently used rules.
Conclusion
The missing value in this logical number puzzle is 4, obtained using the absolute difference rule. This structured approach helps solve similar reasoning problems quickly and accurately in competitive exams.
