Find the next term in the letter series: YEB, WFD, UHG, SKI, ( ? ). Use column-wise shifts: first letters −2 each step, seconds +1, +2, +3, +4…, thirds alternate +2, +3, +2, +3…

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Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:Three-letter series often encode separate arithmetic progressions in each letter position, including alternating increments. Given Data / Assumptions: Terms: Y E B; W F D; U H G; S K I; next = ? Indices: A=1 … Z=26; wrap-around permitted conceptually. Concept / Approach:Analyze each column: 1st letters step backward by 2; 2nd letters increase with growing increments; 3rd letters alternate +2, +3. Step-by-Step Solution: 1st letters: Y(25) → W(23) → U(21) → S(19) → Q(17).2nd letters: E(5) → F(6) (+1) → H(8) (+2) → K(11) (+3) → O(15) (+4).3rd letters: B(2) → D(4) (+2) → G(7) (+3) → I(9) (+2) → L(12) (+3).Hence next term is Q O L. Verification / Alternative check:Reconstructing backwards from QOL recovers the same increments, confirming consistency. Why Other Options Are Wrong:TOL breaks the −2 pattern in the first column; QGL/QNL do not satisfy the +4 or alternating +3 requirement. Common Pitfalls:Assuming constant steps in the second/third columns; here, one column has growing steps, another alternates. Final Answer:QOL.

Find the next term in the letter series: YEB, WFD, UHG, SKI, ( ? ). Use column-wise shifts: first letters −2 each step, seconds +1, +2, +3, +4…, thirds alternate +2, +3, +2, +3…

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