In the letter analogy "DFI : ACF :: OQT : ____", which group of letters completes the -3 shift pattern?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy is based on a constant backward shift in the alphabet. In the pair "DFI : ACF", each letter of the first group is moved backward by the same number of positions to form the second group. The task is to find the sequence of letters that results when the same operation is applied to OQT. These problems require comfort with alphabetical positions and consistent application of shifts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First pair: DFI and ACF.
• Second group: OQT must be mapped to an unknown group using the same rule.
• Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.
• The shift is the same for all letters within a group.

Concept / Approach:
Write the positions of D, F and I. D is 4, F is 6 and I is 9. For A, C and F, positions are A = 1, C = 3 and F = 6. Subtract to find differences: 4 - 1 = 3, 6 - 3 = 3 and 9 - 6 = 3. Each letter has moved backward by three positions. Therefore, the rule is to subtract 3 from each letter position. Apply this same rule to OQT to determine the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert O, Q and T into positions: O = 15, Q = 17 and T = 20. Subtract 3 from O: 15 - 3 = 12, which is L. Subtract 3 from Q: 17 - 3 = 14, which is N. Subtract 3 from T: 20 - 3 = 17, which is Q. Combine the resulting letters L, N and Q to form LNQ.

Verification / Alternative check:
Review the options. MNO would require a different pattern, since O would map to R, not N, under a minus 3 shift. MOR changes letters inconsistently. HJL and LPQ also do not come from subtracting 3 from each of O, Q and T. The only group that matches the exact minus 3 transformation is LNQ, which fits perfectly with the pattern established by DFI and ACF.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
All other options would require different shifts or a mix of forward and backward moves to be derived from OQT. This breaks the simple and uniform minus 3 rule that clearly operates in the original pair. Analogy questions demand a single, consistent transformation, so these alternatives are not valid.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to see that D has gone to A and assume a minus 3 shift, but then forget to confirm that the same change happens with F and I. Others may remember the minus 3 correctly but miscount when moving from later letters such as Q and T. Writing down the alphabet with positions and subtracting carefully for each letter helps prevent these errors.

Final Answer:
Applying a minus 3 shift to each letter, OQT becomes LNQ, so the analogy is "DFI : ACF :: OQT : LNQ".