In the letter triplet series CEG, IKM, OQS, which of the following triplets should come next to continue the pattern?

Introduction / Context:
This question presents a neat letter triplet series: CEG, IKM, OQS, ?, and asks you to choose the next triplet. Each group consists of three letters that increase by a fixed step in the alphabet. Recognising this simple structure makes the problem quick to solve.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given triplets: CEG, IKM, OQS.
• Each triplet has three letters that appear to be in ascending order.
• Alphabet positions: A 1 to Z 26.
• We assume a constant step between corresponding letters of consecutive triplets.

Concept / Approach:
First, examine each triplet internally to see if the letters are equally spaced. Then, look at how the first letters of each triplet progress, how the second letters progress, and how the third letters progress. If each column follows the same pattern (for example, adding 6 each time), then we can easily predict the next triplet by applying this rule once more.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break down CEG. The positions of C, E, and G are 3, 5, and 7. The differences are +2 from C to E and +2 from E to G. Step 2: Do the same for IKM. I 9, K 11, M 13. Again the differences are +2 and +2. Step 3: For OQS, O 15, Q 17, S 19. The spacing is still +2 between successive letters. Step 4: Now examine the first letters C, I, O. Their positions are 3, 9, 15, which increase by +6 each time. Step 5: Continue that pattern: 15 + 6 equals 21, which corresponds to U. So the first letter of the next triplet is U. Step 6: For the second letters E, K, Q, positions are 5, 11, 17, also increasing by +6. So the next second letter is 17 + 6 equals 23, which is W. Step 7: For the third letters G, M, S, positions are 7, 13, 19, again a +6 pattern. The next third letter is 19 + 6 equals 25, which is Y. Step 8: Therefore, the next triplet in the series is UWY.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can see that each triplet is a block of three letters separated by +2 steps, and the starting letter of each block jumps forward by +6: CEG, IKM, OQS, UWY. None of the other options fits both conditions: internal spacing of +2 and an external shift of +6 between corresponding letters.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
UYX mixes positions 21, 25, 24, where internal differences are not consistently +2. UVY uses U 21, V 22, Y 25, which gives internal gaps of +1 and +3. TWY starts with T rather than U and so breaks the +6 progression. VXZ changes both the starting letter and the internal spacing, so it cannot be correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners only check the internal pattern (for example, noticing that CEG, IKM, and OQS each have letters with +2 spacing) and then choose any triplet with +2 spacing, even if its starting point does not follow the outer progression. Always check both layers: the structure inside each triplet and the progression between triplets.

Final Answer:
The next triplet in the series is UWY.