In the letter series CAP, AXL, YUH, WRD, which three letter group should replace the question mark to continue the pattern correctly?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to handle series where letters move in the alphabet according to consistent forward or backward steps. Each term is a triplet, so you must track three separate sequences at once, one for each position. Problems like this strengthen your alphabet manipulation skills and your habit of converting letters into numeric positions to see hidden arithmetic patterns.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Given series: CAP, AXL, YUH, WRD, ? - Each term is a group of three letters. - The pattern is assumed to be consistent for all positions in all terms. - Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.

Concept / Approach:
As with other triplet series, our approach is to separate the series into three independent position sequences: first letters only, second letters only, and third letters only. We then translate letters into numbers and search for a regular addition or subtraction pattern. Many reasoning questions use constant negative steps, where the sequence moves backwards through the alphabet. After identifying each pattern, we apply it to find the next value in the sequence at that position and finally convert the numbers back into letters to form the desired triplet.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write letter positions for each term. CAP: C (3), A (1), P (16). AXL: A (1), X (24), L (12). YUH: Y (25), U (21), H (8). WRD: W (23), R (18), D (4). Step 2: Examine first letters: C, A, Y, W. Positions: 3, 1, 25, 23. Differences: 3 to 1 is -2, 1 to 25 is -2 (using wrap around from 1 back two steps to 25), 25 to 23 is -2. So the first letters move backward by 2 positions each time. Next: 23 - 2 = 21, which is U. Step 3: Examine second letters: A, X, U, R. Positions: 1, 24, 21, 18. Differences: 1 to 24 is -3 (wrap around), 24 to 21 is -3, 21 to 18 is -3. So the second letters move backward by 3 positions each time. Next: 18 - 3 = 15, which is O. Step 4: Examine third letters: P, L, H, D. Positions: 16, 12, 8, 4. Differences: each step is -4. Next: 4 - 4 = 0. In wrap around form, 0 corresponds to 26, which is Z. Step 5: Combine the three predicted letters for the next term. First letter U, second letter O, third letter Z, giving UOZ.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can confirm by summarising all three sequences: First letters: 3, 1, 25, 23, 21 (each stepping -2). Second letters: 1, 24, 21, 18, 15 (each stepping -3). Third letters: 16, 12, 8, 4, 26 (in wrap around, stepping -4). The consistency of these backward steps confirms that we have identified the correct pattern. If any other option were inserted, one or more of these sequences would break, particularly the constant step values, which are a hallmark of a well constructed series question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) VOA breaks the first letter pattern, because V is 22, not 21 as required by the -2 step rule. B) UPB gives P as the second letter and B as the third, which do not match the -3 and -4 movement rules. C) VPB fails to preserve the constant subtraction steps and therefore does not fit the underlying structure.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes overlook the possibility of backward movement in the alphabet and only search for forward sequences. Another common mistake is to handle wrap around incorrectly when crossing from A backwards into Z or vice versa. To avoid such errors, always treat the alphabet as circular when negative steps are present. Carefully write down positions and check each step, especially near A and Z. This method ensures that your reasoning remains precise even in slightly more complex sequences.

Final Answer:
The three letter group that correctly completes the series CAP, AXL, YUH, WRD, ? is UOZ.