In this letter and number analogy, JY is related to 35 by a positional value rule; using the same idea, choose the number that completes the analogy: JY : 35 :: RT : ?

Introduction / Context:
This question mixes letters and numbers in a single analogy. The pair JY is related to the number 35 by a certain positional rule. You must use the same logic to relate RT to a suitable number from the options. This type of question tests your understanding of alphabet positions and your ability to convert them into numerical expressions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The pair is JY : 35 and RT : ?.
• J and Y are letters in the English alphabet.
• The number 35 is derived from JY using some operation on their positions.
• The same operation must be applied to R and T.

Concept / Approach:
When letters are associated with a two digit number, a common pattern is to use the sum or concatenation of their position values. For example, if J is the 10th letter and Y is the 25th letter, their sum is 35. Once we confirm that 35 equals 10 plus 25, we apply the same sum rule to R and T. This is usually more natural than complex operations like products or squares for simple analogies.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Determine the position of J. J is the 10th letter of the alphabet.Step 2: Determine the position of Y. Y is the 25th letter of the alphabet.Step 3: Add these positions: 10 plus 25 equals 35, which exactly matches the number given in the first pair.Step 4: Conclude that the rule is: convert each letter into its numeric position and then add the two values.Step 5: Apply this rule to R and T. R is the 18th letter of the alphabet.Step 6: T is the 20th letter of the alphabet.Step 7: Add the positions: 18 plus 20 equals 38.Step 8: From the options, 38 appears as option B, so that must be the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check if any other simple numeric pattern could produce 35 from J and Y. Their difference is 15, and their product is 250, neither of which is 35. The sum matches perfectly and leads to a realistic value for RT as well. Furthermore, 38 is the only option that arises from the same sum rule applied to 18 and 20. This consistency strongly confirms our solution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, 48, would require adding an extra 10 without justification. Option C, 35, simply repeats the first result and ignores the different letters. Option D, 24, might come from the difference 20 minus 18 plus some extra step, but that does not match the original transformation. Since none of these follow the clear sum of positions rule, they are incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes try to use products, differences or even random combinations when a straightforward sum works. Others may misremember letter positions, especially near the end of the alphabet, leading to wrong totals. A reliable method is to write down the alphabet with numbers or mentally divide it into parts to confirm each letters position before doing the arithmetic.

Final Answer:
Using the same positional value rule, RT corresponds to 38, so option B is correct.