In the following alphabet series, one term is missing. Select the correct alternative from the given options that will complete the series ST, TU, UV, VW, ?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: WX

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward alphabet series question involving two letter combinations where each term consists of consecutive letters. The objective is to identify the next pair in the sequence. Such problems are typically easier and are designed to assess quick recognition of basic alphabetical patterns.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The given series is ST, TU, UV, VW, ?
  • Each term is formed from two consecutive letters in alphabetical order.
  • The positions of letters follow A = 1 up to Z = 26.
  • The series should maintain the pattern of consecutive letters throughout.


Concept / Approach:
We examine how each subsequent pair is formed from the previous one by looking at the first letters as one series and the second letters as another. In this question, each pair shifts one step forward in the alphabet. We use this observation to determine the next pair.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the pairs: ST, TU, UV, VW. Step 2: Look at the first letters: S, T, U, V. These letters are in consecutive order in the alphabet. Step 3: The next letter after V is W, so the first letter of the missing pair should be W. Step 4: Look at the second letters: T, U, V, W. These also follow consecutive order. Step 5: The next letter after W is X, so the second letter of the missing pair should be X. Step 6: Thus, the missing pair is WX.


Verification / Alternative check:
Every pair in the series consists of neighbour letters: S T, T U, U V, V W, W X. There are no jumps or skips. The first and second letters each advance by exactly one position from pair to pair. The only option that continues this double consecutive pattern is WX.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
WY breaks the pattern because Y is not the immediate successor of W. WZ similarly skips X and jumps directly to Z. WV reverses the direction for the second letter and therefore does not keep the forward consecutive order. Since WX alone preserves the consecutive sequence for both letters, the other options are incorrect. The none of these option is wrong because we have already found a valid continuation.


Common Pitfalls:
Although this is a simple question, some students rush and choose WZ or WY because they notice W as a likely first letter and then pick a second letter without checking for exact consecutiveness. Slowing down enough to verify that both letters follow the previous term correctly is sufficient to avoid this mistake.


Final Answer:
The letter pair that completes the series is WX.

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