The relationship that exists between 3 and 11 will exist between 7 and

The correct answer is D (51). The rule is y = x² + 2. For 3, 3² + 2 = 11. For 7, 7² + 2 = 51. The same rule applied to both pairs gives the required answer.

Why the others fail:

• A (22): The rule 3x + 1 fits 7 → 22, but applied to 3 it gives 10, not 11.
• B (29): The rule 4x + 1 fits 7 → 29, but applied to 3 it gives 13, not 11.
• C (18): The rule 'add 11' fits 7 → 18, but applied to 3 it gives 14, not 11. It is not a consistent relationship.

This is a pattern-recognition item of the kind that appears in the reasoning and aptitude portion of the Prelims paper. Such items train the habit of testing a hypothesis on both given pairs before accepting it, a habit that helps in data-interpretation questions too.

Trap: Aspirants stop at the first rule that fits 7 → answer and pick A or B without checking it against 3 → 11. Always verify the rule on the given pair.