Classification – Letter triplets with fixed jumps: identify the odd one out. In three triplets the pattern is “+4 then −2” over successive letters (A=1 … Z=26); one triplet violates this. Which triplet is different? Options: PUS, HLJ, UYW, BFD.

Introduction / Context:
Triplet puzzles commonly encode two-step movements. Our job is to find the majority pattern and the single exception.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Alphabet positions A=1 … Z=26.
• Triplets: PUS, HLJ, UYW, BFD.
• Candidate rule: first→second = +4; second→third = −2.

Concept / Approach:
Compute both jumps for each triplet, comparing with the proposed (+4, −2) scheme.

Step-by-Step Solution:
HLJ: H(8)→L(12)=+4; L(12)→J(10)=−2 ✔UYW: U(21)→Y(25)=+4; Y(25)→W(23)=−2 ✔BFD: B(2)→F(6)=+4; F(6)→D(4)=−2 ✔PUS: P(16)→U(21)=+5; U(21)→S(19)=−2 ✖

Verification / Alternative check:
Re-evaluate PUS: the first jump is +5, not +4, confirming it as the violator.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
HLJ, UYW, BFD: Each exactly follows +4 then −2, so they belong to the majority.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to count strictly by positions or misreading U→S as −1 (it is −2).

Final Answer:
PUS