Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: FHJ
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your ability to recognize patterns in letter sequences, especially fixed steps in the alphabet. Such questions appear frequently in series and coding decoding sections of aptitude tests and help examine your comfort with alphabet positions and jumps.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The approach is to convert each letter to its numerical position in the alphabet, then examine differences between consecutive letters within each group. If three groups share an identical difference pattern, the remaining group is the odd one out. This method is systematic and avoids guesswork based purely on appearance.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For MPS, the letters are M, P, and S. Their positions are 13, 16, and 19. The difference from M to P is +3, and from P to S is also +3.
Step 2: For WZC, interpret Z as 26 and C as 3. The positions are 23, 26, and 3. From W to Z is +3 (23 to 26). From Z to C, if you consider alphabetical cycling, the step is also effectively +3 when counted modulo 26.
Step 3: For ADG, the letters A, D, and G have positions 1, 4, and 7. From A to D is +3, and from D to G is +3, so the pattern is again a consistent +3 step.
Step 4: For FHJ, the letters F, H, and J have positions 6, 8, and 10. From F to H is +2, and from H to J is +2, not +3.
Step 5: Therefore, three groups show a step pattern of +3 between letters, whereas FHJ shows a pattern of +2. Hence FHJ is the odd group.
Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to rewrite each group as a triple (first letter, middle letter, last letter) and see if the middle letter seems equidistant from the first and last. In MPS, P is the midpoint with equal distance to M and S using a step of three. Similarly, in ADG and WZC, the middle letter can be seen as evenly spaced. In FHJ, H is only two steps from F and two steps from J. This reinforces the conclusion that FHJ follows a different jumping rule.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners are distracted by the wraparound from Z back to C in WZC and incorrectly treat it as irregular. Others may not convert letters into numerical positions and miss the uniform step sizes. Remember that cyclic patterns around the alphabet are common in aptitude questions, and you must account for them when analyzing differences.
Final Answer:
FHJ
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