A series of three-letter groups is given with one term missing. Choose the correct group that will complete the sequence: JAZ, LEX, NIV, PMT, ?

Introduction / Context:
This question involves an alphabetical series made of three-letter groups. You must decode the pattern in how each letter position changes from one term to the next, then apply that pattern to find the missing term that follows PMT in the series JAZ, LEX, NIV, PMT, ?.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: JAZ, LEX, NIV, PMT, ?
• Each term consists of three letters.
• The pattern is consistent across all terms.
• Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26, with wrap-around where needed.

Concept / Approach:
We treat the first, second and third letters as three separate series. By converting letters to their numeric positions and checking the differences between consecutive terms, we identify a simple pattern for each position. Then we extend these patterns by one step to generate the missing group and match it with the given options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: First letters of each term: J, L, N, P. Positions: J = 10, L = 12, N = 14, P = 16. Each step is +2 (10 → 12 → 14 → 16). Step 2: The next first letter after P (16) is 16 + 2 = 18, which is R. Step 3: Second letters: A, E, I, M. Positions: A = 1, E = 5, I = 9, M = 13. These increase by +4 each time (1 → 5 → 9 → 13). Step 4: The next second letter after M (13) is 13 + 4 = 17, which is Q. Step 5: Third letters: Z, X, V, T. Positions: Z = 26, X = 24, V = 22, T = 20. These decrease by 2 each time (26 → 24 → 22 → 20). Step 6: The next third letter after T (20) is 20 - 2 = 18, which is R. Step 7: Combine the next first, second and third letters: R, Q and R. The missing term is RQR.

Verification / Alternative check:
Write all terms with numeric positions: JAZ (10, 1, 26), LEX (12, 5, 24), NIV (14, 9, 22), PMT (16, 13, 20), RQR (18, 17, 18). The first position clearly follows +2, the second position follows +4 and the third position follows -2. The term RQR therefore fits perfectly into the sequence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (QUR): First letter Q (17) does not follow the +2 rule from P (16) which should give R (18). Option C (SUR): Second letter U (21) does not follow the +4 progression from M (13) which should be Q (17). Option D (RUS): Here the second letter U again breaks the +4 rule, and the third letter S (19) does not satisfy the -2 step from T (20).

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may notice only one pattern, for example in the first letters, and forget to confirm it in the other positions. Others may miscalculate letter positions, especially near the end of the alphabet. Always check each letter position separately and confirm that the candidate term preserves all the observed patterns.

Final Answer:
The term that correctly completes the series is RQR, which corresponds to option B.