Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: CEG
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question involves recognising patterns in sequences of letters and identifying the odd group. Each option is a set of three letters, and the goal is to determine which group does not follow the same step pattern between letters as the others. Such letter sequence problems help evaluate your ability to handle alphabetical positions and simple arithmetic differences.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to write down the alphabetical position of each letter and compute the difference between consecutive letters in each group. Many such problems are designed so that three groups share one step pattern, for example +3 then +2, while one group has a different pattern, such as +2 then +2. By comparing these patterns, we can find the group that behaves differently and mark it as the odd one out.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For CEG, positions are C = 3, E = 5, G = 7. Differences are 5 - 3 = 2 and 7 - 5 = 2, so the pattern is +2, +2. Step 2: For UXZ, positions are U = 21, X = 24, Z = 26. Differences are 24 - 21 = 3 and 26 - 24 = 2, so the pattern is +3, +2. Step 3: For ORT, positions are O = 15, R = 18, T = 20. Differences are 18 - 15 = 3 and 20 - 18 = 2, again +3, +2. Step 4: For ILN, positions are I = 9, L = 12, N = 14. Differences are 12 - 9 = 3 and 14 - 12 = 2, once more +3, +2. Step 5: Compare the patterns: UXZ, ORT, and ILN all share a +3, +2 progression. Step 6: CEG has a different progression of +2, +2 between its letters. Step 7: Therefore, CEG is the odd group of letters among the four options.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can use a mental check by counting the letters skipped between consecutive letters. In UXZ, there are two letters (V, W) between U and X, and one letter (Y) between X and Z. The same pattern holds for ORT, with two letters (P, Q) between O and R and one letter (S) between R and T, and for ILN, with two letters (J, K) between I and L and one (M) between L and N. In CEG, however, there is only one letter skipped between C and E (D) and one letter skipped between E and G (F). So CEG clearly uses equal jumps, unlike the others, confirming it as the odd group.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
UXZ follows a +3, +2 letter movement pattern and matches ORT and ILN, so it is not the odd group.
ORT also follows the same +3, +2 pattern and fits the main group.
ILN again shows +3, +2 steps and belongs with UXZ and ORT, so it cannot be the different option.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to focus only on the exact letters used and not on the gaps between them. Since all groups appear to be increasing, you might overlook the difference in step size. Another error is miscounting positions near the end of the alphabet, especially for letters like X, Y, and Z. To avoid these issues, always convert letters into numbers and carefully compute the differences between each pair. Consistent practice with such problems will improve both speed and accuracy in letter sequence reasoning questions.
Final Answer:
The odd group of letters is CEG.
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