Each option below is a three letter sequence. In three of the options, each successive letter is four positions earlier in the alphabet than the previous one. In which option does this pattern break, making it the odd one out: (A) ZVR, (B) ZYX, (C) QMI, (D) IEA?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines understanding of alphabetical order and fixed step patterns between letters. Each option is a sequence of three capital letters. In most of the options, each next letter is exactly four positions earlier in the alphabet than the previous one. We need to find which option does not follow this constant step pattern and therefore is the odd one out.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Option A: ZVR.
• Option B: ZYX.
• Option C: QMI.
• Option D: IEA.
• We consider the positions of letters in the English alphabet, where A is 1 and Z is 26.
• We examine the difference between consecutive letters in each sequence.

Concept / Approach:
We translate each letter into its numerical position. Then we compute the difference between the positions of consecutive letters. If most sequences show a difference of minus four for each step, and one sequence uses a different step such as minus one, that sequence is the odd one out. This method is a direct and reliable way to analyze such letter pattern questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For option A (ZVR), letters are Z, V, and R. Z is 26, V is 22, and R is 18. Differences are 22 − 26 = −4 and 18 − 22 = −4. Step 2: For option C (QMI), letters are Q, M, and I. Q is 17, M is 13, and I is 9. Differences are 13 − 17 = −4 and 9 − 13 = −4. Step 3: For option D (IEA), letters are I, E, and A. I is 9, E is 5, and A is 1. Differences are 5 − 9 = −4 and 1 − 5 = −4. Step 4: For option B (ZYX), letters are Z, Y, and X. Z is 26, Y is 25, and X is 24. Differences are 25 − 26 = −1 and 24 − 25 = −1. Step 5: Options A, C, and D show a consistent step of minus four between consecutive letters. Option B shows a step of minus one, so it breaks the pattern.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can also visualize the alphabet sequence. Z, V, R correspond to jumping back four positions from Z to V, and then four more to R. Similarly, Q to M to I and I to E to A represent four letter jumps each time. In contrast, Z to Y to X is a simple immediate reverse order of adjacent letters, with only one step back each time. This reinforces the conclusion that option B follows a different pattern.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A (ZVR): Follows the pattern with each next letter four positions earlier in the alphabet.
C (QMI): Also follows the minus four pattern faithfully.
D (IEA): Continues the same pattern, with I, E, and A separated by four positions each.
None of the above: Incorrect because we have clearly found an option that breaks the pattern.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may only check the first step in each option and not verify the second step, which can lead to errors. Others might confuse the absolute positions of letters and overlook the difference pattern. To avoid this, write down both the positions and the differences systematically for each sequence before making a decision.

Final Answer:
The sequence that does not follow the constant step of four letters backward and therefore is the odd one out is represented by option B, that is, ZYX.