Introduction / Context:
This is an alphabet pattern odd one out question. Each option is a group of three letters and the rule relates to the jumps in the alphabet between these letters. Three of the groups follow a pattern of moving six steps forward and then three steps backward in the alphabet, while one group does not follow this pattern.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The letter triplets are JPM, DJG, BHE and SDA.
- We use standard alphabetical positions from 1 to 26.
- The pattern involves shifts between the first, second and third letter in each triplet.
Concept / Approach:The strategy is to convert each letter to its numerical position and then compute the difference between consecutive letters. For three of the triplets, the first to second letter change is +6 and the second to third letter change is -3. The triplet that does not show this pattern is the odd one out.
Step-by-Step Solution:Step 1: For JPM: J is 10, P is 16 and M is 13. Differences are 16 - 10 = +6 and 13 - 16 = -3.Step 2: For DJG: D is 4, J is 10 and G is 7. Differences are 10 - 4 = +6 and 7 - 10 = -3.Step 3: For BHE: B is 2, H is 8 and E is 5. Differences are 8 - 2 = +6 and 5 - 8 = -3.Step 4: For SDA: S is 19, D is 4 and A is 1. Differences are 4 - 19 = -15 and 1 - 4 = -3. This does not match the +6, -3 pattern.Step 5: Since JPM, DJG and BHE each show a +6 then -3 shift, while SDA does not, SDA is the odd one out.Verification / Alternative check:You can also verify by counting manually: for example, starting from J, count six letters forward to reach P and then three letters backward to reach M. The same pattern appears in DJG and BHE, but SDA breaks the pattern immediately since the first change is backward by 15 letters. This confirms that SDA is not consistent with the others.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:JPM follows the +6, -3 alphabetical stepping pattern and therefore belongs with DJG and BHE.DJG also matches the same pattern and is not unique.BHE fits the same rule, clearly aligning with JPM and DJG in structure.
Common Pitfalls:One common mistake is ignoring the sign of the difference and focusing only on the absolute value, which could obscure the fact that SDA has the wrong direction in its first step. Another pitfall is miscounting letters when moving forward or backward. Consistent practice with letter position mapping helps reduce such errors.
Final Answer:The only letter triplet that does not follow the +6, then -3 pattern is
SDA, so SDA is the odd one out.
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