In this alphabetical series reasoning question, select the odd group of letters from the given alternatives based on whether the letters form a strictly decreasing sequence.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to recognize patterns in letter sequences. Each option is a group of three letters, and you must decide which group does not follow the same alphabetical pattern as the others. Identifying increasing or decreasing sequences of consecutive letters is an important skill in verbal and non verbal reasoning sections of aptitude exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The groups are MLN, FED, JIH, and RQP.- All letters are uppercase and belong to the English alphabet.- We assume that the pattern is based on the order and spacing of letters in the alphabet.

Concept / Approach:
The usual approach is to convert each letter into its numeric position and then check how the sequence moves from left to right. If three groups are strictly decreasing sequences with equal steps, and one group breaks that rule, the group that breaks it is the odd one out. Decreasing sequences are particularly common in such questions, so we focus on that possibility first.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For FED, positions are F = 6, E = 5, D = 4. This is a consecutive decreasing sequence with step minus 1 between letters.Step 2: For JIH, positions are J = 10, I = 9, H = 8. Again, a consecutive decreasing pattern with step minus 1.Step 3: For RQP, positions are R = 18, Q = 17, P = 16. This is also a strictly decreasing consecutive sequence with step minus 1.Step 4: For MLN, positions are M = 13, L = 12, N = 14. The sequence goes down from M to L but then jumps up from L to N, so it is not strictly decreasing.Step 5: Therefore, three groups form neat backward sequences, while MLN does not.

Verification / Alternative check:
Recite the groups aloud backward. FED, JIH, and RQP sound like small segments of the alphabet spoken in reverse order. MLN does not match this pattern because the letters are not in a continuous reverse run.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
FED: Correct backward sequence, so it fits the pattern.JIH: Also a correct backward three letter run.RQP: Another backward consecutive sequence.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students focus only on whether the letters look like they belong together and overlook the exact ordering. Always check if the movement between letters is consistent, especially when dealing with sequences.

Final Answer:
The odd letter group is MLN because it is not a strictly decreasing consecutive sequence, unlike the other three groups.