Classification (letters): Identify the odd group among the following three-letter sequences, where each group may or may not follow a consistent positional jump pattern in the English alphabet. Choose the one that does not follow the same rule as the others.
Correct Answer: PRU
Introduction / Context:In many verbal reasoning classification questions, the groups of letters follow a consistent positional rule based on the English alphabet. The task is to spot the group that breaks the common rule. Here, each option is a triad (three letters), and we examine the step sizes between consecutive letters.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, …, Z=26.
- Options: HJN, JLP, PRU, QSW.
- We check the deltas (step sizes) between consecutive letters inside each triad.
Concept / Approach:The dominant pattern in three of the groups is +2 followed by +4 in letter positions (for example, H→J is +2 and J→N is +4). Any triad that does not show the same pair of jumps is the odd one out.
Step-by-Step Solution:
For HJN: H(8)→J(10) = +2; J(10)→N(14) = +4.For JLP: J(10)→L(12) = +2; L(12)→P(16) = +4.For QSW: Q(17)→S(19) = +2; S(19)→W(23) = +4.For PRU: P(16)→R(18) = +2; R(18)→U(21) = +3 (not +4).Verification / Alternative check:An alternative way is to write each triad as numerical positions and compute differences. Only PRU yields +2 and +3; others yield +2 and +4, confirming the anomaly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
HJN follows +2, +4.JLP follows +2, +4.QSW follows +2, +4.Common Pitfalls:Mixing up alphabet indices or miscounting steps by off-by-one errors is common. Another pitfall is assuming constant increments (+2, +2) instead of checking both steps separately.
Final Answer:PRU