In this alphabet sequence odd one out question, select the triplet of letters that does not follow the same pattern of +2 and +3 jumps in alphabetical order among XAD, PRU, JLO and ACF.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: XAD

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a letter sequence odd one out question from verbal reasoning. You are given four three letter groups and must find which group does not follow the same consistent pattern of jumps in the alphabet. These types of questions strengthen candidates ability to map letters to positions and quickly recognize recurring patterns in sequences.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The letter triplets are XAD, PRU, JLO and ACF.
  • We use the English alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.
  • The intended pattern compares the differences between consecutive letters in each triplet.

Concept / Approach:
The method is to convert each letter to its alphabetical position and then look at the numerical difference between the first and second letter, and between the second and third letter. If three triplets show the same pattern of differences and one does not, that non matching triplet is the odd one out.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For PRU: P is 16, R is 18, U is 21. Differences are 18 - 16 = 2 and 21 - 18 = 3.Step 2: For JLO: J is 10, L is 12, O is 15. Differences are 12 - 10 = 2 and 15 - 12 = 3.Step 3: For ACF: A is 1, C is 3, F is 6. Differences are 3 - 1 = 2 and 6 - 3 = 3.Step 4: For XAD: X is 24, A is 1, D is 4. Differences if we move forward through the alphabet are 1 - 24 (wrapping around) and 4 - 1, which do not create the consistent pattern of +2 and +3. Instead, XAD breaks the smooth ascending pattern seen in the other triplets.Step 5: Since PRU, JLO and ACF each follow the pattern of +2 then +3 in alphabetical positions, and XAD does not follow this pattern, XAD is the odd one out.
Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative quick view is to treat PRU, JLO and ACF as sequences that step forward by 2, then by 3 letters. For PRU, from P to R we jump Q then R (two steps) and from R to U we jump S, T, U (three steps). Similar logic applies to J to L to O and A to C to F. XAD is irregular and does not form a smooth forward stepping sequence, confirming it as the odd one out.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
PRU is not the odd one out because it shows a consistent +2, +3 forward stepping pattern.
JLO also matches this +2, +3 pattern in the alphabet and therefore aligns with PRU and ACF.
ACF follows the same rule of moving two steps forward and then three steps forward, so it clearly belongs with PRU and JLO.

Common Pitfalls:
One common error is to consider letter frequency in English words or to look for hidden words instead of focusing on alphabetical positions. Another mistake is ignoring the direction of movement in the alphabet and not noticing that letters in XAD break the regular progression. To avoid these issues, always convert letters to numerical positions and systematically inspect the differences.

Final Answer:
The only triplet that does not follow the pattern of +2 and then +3 in alphabetical order is XAD, so XAD is the odd one out.

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