Explanation:

Let’s break this down:

- In the given set (26, 14, 170):

If you multiply the first two numbers, you get 26 × 14 = 364.

But if you try adding, subtracting, or dividing, you won’t get 170 unless you use a different pattern.

Here’s a trick: 26 + 14 = 40, 26 - 14 = 12, 26 × 14 = 364, 26 ÷ 14 ˜ 1.857 (not matching).

But look at this: (26 + 14) × 3 = 40 × 3 = 120, not 170. Let’s try another pattern.

How about this: (26 - 14) × 14 = 12 × 14 = 168 (close to 170 but not quite). Let’s check next set.

- Second set (31, 7, 18):

Again, 31 + 7 = 38, 31 - 7 = 24, 31 × 7 = 217.

Nothing lines up directly with 18. There isn’t a simple operation here matching the structure of the first set.

Now, let’s check each option with the same logic:

- Option 1: (11, 5, 17)

11 + 5 = 16 (not 17), 11 - 5 = 6, 11 × 5 = 55. This option doesn’t fit.

- Option 2: (34, 10, 72)

34 + 10 = 44, 34 - 10 = 24, 34 × 10 = 340. None matches 72.

- Option 3: (21, 9, 60)

21 + 9 = 30, 21 - 9 = 12, 21 × 9 = 189.

Now, check: (21 - 9) × 5 = 12 × 5 = 60. This fits: if the pattern is (First Number - Second Number) × 5 = Third Number, then this works.

- Option 4: (14, 6, 24)

14 - 6 = 8, and 8 × 3 = 24. But our earlier sets don’t match this pattern.

Looking back, our best pattern match is Option 3 (21, 9, 60) .

What this really means: The logic behind the sets is (First Number - Second Number) × 5 = Third Number, and only Option 3 lives up to this.