A series of reversed three-letter groups is given with one term missing. Choose the option that correctly completes the sequence: FED, IHG, LKJ, ONM, ?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with a sequence of three-letter groups where each group consists of letters in reverse order. Your task is to determine how the starting letters of these groups progress and then identify the missing group that continues this pattern after ONM in the series FED, IHG, LKJ, ONM, ?.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given sequence: FED, IHG, LKJ, ONM, ?
• Each group contains three consecutive letters arranged in descending order.
• The starting letters of successive groups follow a consistent pattern.
• We use alphabetical positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.

Concept / Approach:
We first observe the internal structure of each group and notice that the letters go backwards by one step each time within the group. Then we track how the first letters change from one group to the next. Once we find the regular jump in the starting letters, we create the next descending triple to fill the missing place.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyse FED. It consists of F, E, D, which are positions 6, 5 and 4, forming a descending consecutive triple. Step 2: IHG is I, H, G, which are positions 9, 8 and 7, another descending triple. Step 3: LKJ is L, K, J with positions 12, 11 and 10, also descending. Step 4: ONM is O, N, M with positions 15, 14 and 13, again a descending triple. Step 5: Now focus on the starting letters: F (6), I (9), L (12), O (15). Each of these increases by +3: 6 to 9, 9 to 12, and 12 to 15. Step 6: Continue this pattern: the next starting letter after O (15) is 15 + 3 = 18, which corresponds to R. Step 7: Construct the next descending triple from R: R (18), Q (17), P (16). So, the missing group is RQP.

Verification / Alternative check:
List the full sequence with positions: FED (6,5,4), IHG (9,8,7), LKJ (12,11,10), ONM (15,14,13), RQP (18,17,16). The starting letters are 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, which clearly increase by +3. Each group is a neat block of three consecutive letters in reverse order. Thus, RQP fits the pattern perfectly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (MKJ): Although it is a reversed triple, it does not follow the +3 pattern from the previous starting letter O (15). Option B (VUT): The starting letter V (22) is too far from O (15) and does not match the step size of +3. Option C (CBA): This is a valid descending triple but does not fit correctly into the position after ONM when the series is moving forward in the alphabet.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes ignore the structure inside each group and look only at individual letters. Another common error is to choose any reversed triple without checking the numeric increments between starting letters. Always check both the internal pattern (such as descending consecutive letters) and the progression of starting letters across the series.

Final Answer:
The missing group that continues the pattern correctly is RQP, which corresponds to option D.