Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: W
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This analogy question uses alphabet positions that are symmetric around the middle of the alphabet. The pair E : V hints that the second letter is positioned in a way that mirrors the first letter with respect to the centre of the alphabet. We need to apply the same mirror relationship to D and choose the corresponding letter from the options. Understanding opposite or complementary positions in the alphabet is useful in many coding and decoding type reasoning questions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The English alphabet has 26 letters from A to Z.
- E is the 5th letter from the start, and V is the 22nd letter.
- The sum of positions 5 and 22 is 27, which is one more than the total number of letters in the alphabet.
- For a symmetrical or mirror relationship, the positions of the two letters should add up to 27 (for standard 26 letter alphabet indexing).
Concept / Approach:
In such mirror position analogies, A and Z form a pair because their positions are 1 and 26, which sum to 27. Likewise, B and Y sum to 27, C and X sum to 27, and so on. E is 5 and V is 22, and 5 plus 22 equals 27, so they are mirror letters about the centre of the alphabet. To find the corresponding partner for D, which is the 4th letter, we need a letter whose position is 27 minus 4, which is 23. The 23rd letter of the alphabet is W.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Confirm the pattern. E is 5, V is 22, and 5 + 22 = 27, so they are mirror letters.
Step 2: Determine the position of D in the alphabet. D is the 4th letter.
Step 3: Use the mirror formula. Mirror position = 27 minus current position.
Step 4: Compute 27 - 4 = 23.
Step 5: Identify the 23rd letter of the alphabet, which is W.
Step 6: Check options and confirm that W is given as option D.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the pattern by listing a few mirror pairs: A with Z (1 and 26), B with Y (2 and 25), C with X (3 and 24), D with W (4 and 23), and E with V (5 and 22). The sequence is consistent and confirms that D pairs with W in the same way E pairs with V. Any different letter would break the simple sum to 27 rule.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, E, is position 5, which would give a sum 4 + 5 = 9, not 27. Option B, G, is position 7, and option C, I, is position 9. Neither sum with 4 to 27. They therefore do not form mirror pairs with D. Because the analogy requires the same symmetric relationship as between E and V, only W fits the requirement.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes guess based on the letters seeming close in the alphabet or visually similar, rather than computing positions. Others may think in terms of simple forward or backward shifts, which do not capture the mirror idea. To avoid mistakes, remember the rule that mirror letters in a 26 letter alphabet have positions that add up to 27. Using this simple formula makes such questions straightforward and prevents confusion in exam conditions.
Final Answer:
Because E and V are mirror letters whose positions sum to 27, D must pair with W to maintain the same relationship, so option D is correct.
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