Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: L
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of alphabetical order when the usual A to Z sequence is reversed. Many competitive exams include such letter ranking problems to check speed and accuracy with simple but layered reasoning. By carefully tracking positions from both ends of the alphabet, you can avoid common traps and arrive at the correct letter. This type of pattern based aptitude question also helps you become more comfortable with visualising sequences mentally.
Given Data / Assumptions:
We use the standard English alphabet with 26 letters. We are told to reverse the entire alphabet, so Z becomes the first letter and A becomes the last letter in the new series. We then need to identify the second vowel from the right end of this reversed series. After that, we must move seven positions to the left of that identified vowel in the same reversed sequence. No letters are skipped or removed in this process.
Concept / Approach:
First write or mentally picture the reversed alphabet sequence from Z on the left to A on the right. Next identify which vowels appear in this reversed order and focus especially on the rightmost end where the question directs our attention. Once we know which letter is the second vowel from the right, we can find its exact position number in the reversed series. Finally, moving seven steps to the left simply means subtracting seven from that position number and reading off the corresponding letter.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Write the reversed alphabet: Z Y X W V U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A.
From the right end we see vowels in the order A, then E, then I, then O, then U as we move leftwards.
The first vowel from the right is A, and the second vowel from the right is E.
In the reversed series, E occupies position 22 from the left (Z is 1, Y is 2, and so on up to A at 26).
To find the letter seven places to the left of E, move from position 22 back by 7 positions: 22 - 7 = 15.
The 15th letter in the reversed alphabet is L (Z1, Y2, X3, W4, V5, U6, T7, S8, R9, Q10, P11, O12, N13, M14, L15).
Therefore the required letter is L.
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to mark only vowel positions in the reversed sequence and confirm that A and E are indeed the two rightmost vowels. Then count directly on your fingers or by small ticks from Z to make sure that E is at position 22. Subtracting seven again gives 15, which is clearly L when you list the reversed letters carefully. Doing this second pass helps to avoid miscounting in the middle of the sequence. This verification builds confidence that no step in the reasoning chain has been skipped.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
U and V are much earlier in the reversed sequence and do not sit exactly seven positions to the left of E. M is the 14th letter in the reversed order, which is only six positions to the left of E, not seven. E itself is the reference vowel and therefore cannot be the required answer. Each distractor is close in position to increase the chance of a counting error, but only L satisfies the precise condition given in the question.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to count vowels from the normal A to Z order instead of from the reversed series specified in the problem. Another error is to confuse left and right once the alphabet is reversed, leading to counting in the wrong direction. Many students also miscount positions because they rush and skip letters while moving seven places to the left. Writing at least the crucial part of the sequence on paper is often safer than relying entirely on mental calculation. Paying attention to the phrase second vowel from the right is essential to avoid picking the first vowel instead.
Final Answer:
The letter that is seventh to the left of the second vowel from the right end in the reversed alphabet is L.
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