In the three letter series GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN, ?, which of the following options should replace the question mark so that the alphabetic pattern in all three positions is preserved?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: OVL

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The series GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN, ? is an example of a three letter alphabet sequence where each position follows its own pattern. The question asks us to determine the missing group of letters that continues this pattern. Such problems are designed to test the ability to track multiple sequences simultaneously and apply arithmetic reasoning on alphabet positions.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Known terms: GJT, IMR, KPP, MSN.
  • Each term uses three capital letters.
  • We assume each of the first, second, and third letters forms a separate arithmetic sequence.
  • Alphabet positions are numbered from A as 1 to Z as 26.
  • Options: PUL, OVL, OUK, PVM.


Concept / Approach:
The idea is to translate letters to numbers and analyse each column independently. We then determine the step pattern for each position. If the same step is applied repeatedly, we can extend the pattern and find the missing triplet. It is important to confirm that the resulting letters form one of the options provided and satisfy all three sequences at the same time.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert GJT into positions: G(7), J(10), T(20).Step 2: Convert IMR: I(9), M(13), R(18).Step 3: Convert KPP: K(11), P(16), P(16).Step 4: Convert MSN: M(13), S(19), N(14).Step 5: Analyse the first letters: 7 (G), 9 (I), 11 (K), 13 (M). The sequence increases by +2 each time.Step 6: Apply the same step to the last first letter, M(13). Adding 2 gives 15, which is O.Step 7: Analyse the second letters: 10 (J), 13 (M), 16 (P), 19 (S). This sequence increases by +3 each time.Step 8: Add +3 to 19 (S) to get 22, which corresponds to V.Step 9: Analyse the third letters: 20 (T), 18 (R), 16 (P), 14 (N). This sequence decreases by 2 each time.Step 10: Subtract 2 from 14 (N) to obtain 12, which is L.Step 11: Combining these results, the missing term should be OVL.


Verification / Alternative check:
Checking against the options, only OVL appears and it matches the derived letters. If we extend each sequence with OVL included, the first letters become G, I, K, M, O with a difference of +2, the second letters J, M, P, S, V with a difference of +3, and the third letters T, R, P, N, L with a difference of -2. This consistent pattern confirms the correctness of OVL.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
PUL, OUK, and PVM do not fit all three sequences simultaneously. They may satisfy one or two letter positions but fail at least one of the positional patterns. Because the series is defined by three strict arithmetic progressions, any candidate that breaks one of these cannot be the correct answer.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes check only one or two positions and overlook the third. Another issue is miscalculating numeric positions of letters or the increment pattern. A systematic step by step analysis of all three columns prevents such errors and leads to the correct triplet.


Final Answer:
The missing group of letters that completes the series is OVL.

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