Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: ILN
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Letter-classification questions commonly encode arithmetic jumps on alphabet positions (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26). Here, the governing pattern is “+3 then -5” across each three-letter group. We must find the set that fails the rule.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Translate letters to indices, apply the difference check (+3, then -5), and flag any violation. Wrap-around is not required here because all letters remain within A–Z bounds.
Step-by-Step Solution:
LOJ: L(12)→O(15) = +3; O(15)→J(10) = -5 → fits.FID: F(6)→I(9) = +3; I(9)→D(4) = -5 → fits.RUP: R(18)→U(21) = +3; U(21)→P(16) = -5 → fits.ILN: I(9)→L(12) = +3; L(12)→N(14) = +2 → violates.Verification / Alternative check:Reverse-check by recomputing: only ILN shows +3 followed by +2, not -5, so it breaks the rule.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:LOJ, FID, and RUP implement the exact +3 then -5 transitions.
Common Pitfalls:Counting letter positions off by one or forgetting that J=10, N=14, etc. Always map letters to numbers before comparing.
Final Answer:ILN is the odd triplet because it violates the “+3 then -5” pattern.
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