Question 1

In the sequence R+JM2$#QR?*O@7F3, how many symbols are there that are immediately preceded by a number?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question falls under symbol and number based reasoning. The focus is not on arithmetic but on carefully scanning a mixed sequence of letters, digits, and special symbols to count how many symbols satisfy a particular positional condition. Such questions test attention to detail and accuracy in reading complex strings. Given Data / Assumptions: The sequence given is R+JM2$#QR?*O@7F3. We treat digits (0 to 9) as numbers and characters like plus, dollar, hash, question mark, star, and at sign as symbols. The task is to count how many symbols are immediately preceded by a number directly to their left. Only adjacency matters; we do not look at characters further away. Concept / Approach: The procedure is simple but requires discipline. We scan the sequence from left to right, identify each symbol, and then check the character immediately to its left. If that character is a digit, we increase our count. Finally, we compare our count with the given answer choices. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the sequence with indices: R(1), +(2), J(3), M(4), 2(5), $(6), #(7), Q(8), R(9), ?(10), *(11), O(12), @(13), 7(14), F(15), 3(16). Step 2: List the symbols: +, $, #, ?, *, @. Step 3: Check each symbol and the character immediately to its left. For + at position 2, the previous character is R, which is a letter, so this does not qualify. For $ at position 6, the previous character is 2 at position 5, which is a number. This is one valid case. For # at position 7, the previous character is $ at position 6, which is a symbol, not a number. For ? at position 10, the previous character is R at position 9, a letter. For * at position 11, the previous character is ? at position 10, a symbol. For @ at position 13, the previous character is O at position 12, a letter. Step 4: Only the dollar symbol after the digit 2 is immediately preceded by a number, so the count is 1. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can quickly re scan and mark only positions where a digit is followed by a symbol. The substring 2$ is the only occurrence of digit followed by symbol. The digit 7 is followed by F, which is a letter, not a symbol. Therefore, one is the only correct count. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options 4, 3, and 2 imply that multiple symbols satisfy the condition. However, there is no other symbol that immediately follows a digit apart from the dollar symbol. Hence, those counts are overestimates based on misreading the sequence. The none of these option fails because the count one is explicitly present as an option. Common Pitfalls: Students may misclassify letters or symbols or forget that the condition is specifically about being immediately preceded by a number, not simply occurring somewhere after a number. In long sequences, skipping positions or double counting are common mistakes. Writing the sequence with indices and checking each symbol in order helps maintain accuracy. Final Answer: Exactly 1 symbol is immediately preceded by a number.

Question 2

Using the reference sequence ABC$+#DEF&=?GHI!2*@, find the missing term in the analogy: ABC : @*2 :: $#E : ____

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a coded analogy question where a long mixed string of letters, digits, and symbols acts as a reference. We are told that ABC corresponds to @*2 under a certain pattern derived from the reference sequence. We must apply the same pattern to $#E to determine the missing term. Such questions test the ability to interpret hidden mapping rules in a complex sequence. Given Data / Assumptions: The reference sequence is ABC$+#DEF&=?GHI!2*@. We know that ABC maps to @*2. We need to find what $#E maps to using the same pattern. Positions in the reference string are fixed; mapping is positional rather than alphabetical. Concept / Approach: We analyse how ABC is transformed into @*2 using the positions of these characters within the reference sequence. If a consistent index based rule can be identified, we then apply it to the characters $, #, and E. The rule turns out to be a reflection across the ends of the sequence, pairing characters from the front with characters from the back. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Number the characters in the reference sequence from left to right. ABC$+#DEF&=?GHI!2*@ has 19 characters, indexed from 0 to 18. Step 2: A, B, C are at indices 0, 1, and 2 respectively. The mapped term @*2 has characters at indices 18 (@), 17 (*), and 16 (2). Step 3: Notice that 18 is 18 minus 0, 17 is 18 minus 1, and 16 is 18 minus 2. So each character at index i maps to the character at index 18 minus i. This is a reflection rule. Step 4: Now identify the indices of $, #, and E. From the sequence, $ is at index 3, # is at index 5, and E is at index 7. Step 5: Apply the reflection rule. For $, use index 18 minus 3 equals 15. The character at index 15 is !. Step 6: For #, use index 18 minus 5 equals 13. The character at index 13 is H. Step 7: For E, use index 18 minus 7 equals 11. The character at index 11 is ?. Step 8: Thus $#E maps to !H? under the same transformation as ABC to @*2. Verification / Alternative check: We can verify by checking that each pair of mapped positions sums to 18. A (0) and @ (18), B (1) and * (17), C (2) and 2 (16) all satisfy the rule. Similarly, $ (3) with ! (15), # (5) with H (13), and E (7) with ? (11) each satisfy index original plus index mapped equals 18. Therefore, the reflection mapping is consistent and correct. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HH!, !HG, and ?H! are all made from similar looking characters but do not correspond to the correct reflected indices. For example, ?H! would mean using characters at indices 11, 13, and 15 in a different order than that defined by the rule. Only !H? preserves the precise index mapping from left to right, ensuring that each character in $#E is reflected correctly. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates try to find a direct alphabetical or symbolic relation between ABC and @*2 without considering the larger reference string. Others may reverse the order incorrectly or miscount indices. Starting by indexing every character and identifying the pattern of index reversal avoids these errors and reveals the correct rule. Final Answer: The missing term that completes the analogy is !H?.

Question 3

From the following letter pairs, select the odd one out based on alphabetical position patterns: BG, HN, SY, PV.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the odd one out category where the test taker must identify which option does not follow the same pattern as the others. The focus is on positional relationships between letters in each pair. Such questions encourage a precise understanding of how letters are spaced in the alphabet. Given Data / Assumptions: The letter pairs are BG, HN, SY, and PV. We consider alphabetical positions A = 1, B = 2, and so on up to Z = 26. The most likely rule involves checking the numerical difference between the two letters in each pair. Concept / Approach: We convert each letter into its numerical position and compute the difference between the first and second letters of each pair. If three pairs share the same difference and one pair differs, that differing pair will be the odd one out. This is a standard approach in such reasoning questions. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Compute the positions for BG. B is 2, G is 7, so the difference is 7 minus 2 equals 5. Step 2: For HN, H is 8 and N is 14, giving a difference of 14 minus 8 equals 6. Step 3: For SY, S is 19 and Y is 25, so the difference is 25 minus 19 equals 6. Step 4: For PV, P is 16 and V is 22, giving a difference of 22 minus 16 equals 6. Step 5: We see that three pairs, HN, SY, and PV, have a difference of 6 between their letters. Only BG has a difference of 5. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to verify is to list the letters between the two letters in each pair. BG has C, D, E, F between B and G, which are four letters, while HN has I, J, K, L, M, which are five letters. Similarly, SY and PV both have five letters between their members. This again shows that BG behaves differently compared to the others. Why Other Options Are Wrong: HN, SY, and PV all follow the same pattern of having a fixed difference of 6 between the first and second letter. Because they form a consistent group, none of them can be considered the odd one out. The option none of these is also incorrect because we have clearly identified BG as the unique pair with a different difference. Common Pitfalls: Some students rely on visual impression or think that SY is different simply because it appears near the end of the alphabet. Others may count letters incorrectly or forget that we are interested in the distance between letter positions. Explicitly computing numerical positions avoids these issues. Final Answer: The odd letter pair is BG.

Question 4

A series of two letter terms is given with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given options that will complete the series BE, HK, NQ, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a two letter alphabet series problem where both the first and second letters follow a pattern as we move from one term to the next. The question tests the ability to recognise consistent jumps in letter positions and extend that pattern for the missing term. Given Data / Assumptions: The given series is BE, HK, NQ, ? Each term consists of two uppercase letters. We use alphabetical positions A = 1 to Z = 26. The same pattern is assumed to apply for the entire series. Concept / Approach: As with many letter pair series, we treat the first letters as one sequence and the second letters as another. We then check the difference between consecutive letters in each sequence. Once the increment is identified, we apply it to get the next letters of the missing pair. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider the first letters: B, H, N. Step 2: Their positions are B = 2, H = 8, N = 14. Step 3: From 2 to 8 the difference is plus 6. From 8 to 14 the difference is also plus 6. So we add 6 again to 14. Step 4: 14 plus 6 equals 20, which corresponds to T. Hence, the first letter of the missing pair is T. Step 5: Now look at the second letters: E, K, Q. Step 6: Their positions are E = 5, K = 11, Q = 17. Step 7: From 5 to 11 the difference is plus 6, and from 11 to 17 it is plus 6 again. So we add 6 to 17. Step 8: 17 plus 6 equals 23, which corresponds to W. So the second letter of the missing pair is W. Step 9: Therefore, the missing term is TW. Verification / Alternative check: Observe that each pair consists of letters that are 3 places apart, but more importantly the starting letters themselves are spaced by plus 6 and the ending letters are also spaced by plus 6. Continuing this pattern leads uniquely to TW. No other option supports the plus 6 progression in both positions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: ST, TU, and TS all begin with T but their second letters do not arise from adding 6 to Q. ST would correspond to 19 instead of 23, TU to 21, and TS to 19. None of these match the required step. The none of these option is incorrect because TW clearly satisfies the consistent plus 6 pattern. Common Pitfalls: Often, students notice that letters seem to move towards the end of the alphabet and choose pairs like TU based on proximity. Others may ignore the exact numerical step and rely only on visual closeness. Writing down exact positions and performing the arithmetic eliminates such guesswork. Final Answer: The correct pair that completes the series is TW.

Question 5

A letter pair series is given, with the first term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given options that will complete the series ?, YV, BY, FC.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents a series of two letter terms where the first term is missing. We must detect the pattern from the remaining three terms and work backwards to find the missing initial pair. In alphabet series problems, working from right to left using the same logic is often as valid as progressing from left to right. Given Data / Assumptions: The visible terms are YV, BY, FC. We must find the pair that precedes YV in the series. Each item consists of two uppercase letters. Alphabet positions are taken from A = 1 through Z = 26. Concept / Approach: We analyse the first letters as one subsequence and the second letters as another. We calculate the differences between consecutive terms from left to right and identify a pattern. Then we extrapolate backwards to determine the missing first term. This question uses increasing step sizes, so recognising that pattern is the key. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at the first letters of the known terms: Y, B, F. Step 2: Positions are Y = 25, B = 2, F = 6. The move from Y (25) to B (2) is effectively plus 3 when considered cyclically, since 25 plus 3 equals 28 and 28 minus 26 equals 2. The move from B (2) to F (6) is plus 4. Step 3: This suggests that the steps in the first letter positions could be plus 2, plus 3, plus 4, and so on. Step 4: Let the unknown first letter have position x. Then moving plus 2 should give 25 for Y. So x plus 2 equals 25, which implies x equals 23, corresponding to the letter W. Step 5: Now consider the second letters of the known terms: V, Y, C. Step 6: Their positions are V = 22, Y = 25, C = 3. From V (22) to Y (25) is plus 3. From Y (25) to C (3) is plus 4 cyclically, since 25 plus 4 equals 29 and 29 minus 26 equals 3. Step 7: The pattern is again plus 2, plus 3, plus 4 for the second letters. So let the unknown second letter have position y. Then y plus 2 must equal 22 (position of V), giving y equals 20, which is T. Step 8: Therefore, the missing first term is WT. Verification / Alternative check: We can re write the full series as WT, YV, BY, FC. The first letters W (23), Y (25), B (2), and F (6) increase by plus 2, plus 3, plus 4 cyclically. The second letters T (20), V (22), Y (25), and C (3) also increase by plus 2, plus 3, plus 4 cyclically. This confirms the pattern and validates WT as the only correct missing term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pairs MN, VS, and XU do not satisfy the required plus 2 step leading into YV for both the first and second letters. For example, XU would give incorrect forward differences when compared to YV. None of these choices preserve the structured increment pattern in both positions, so they must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes try to solve such questions only from left to right and feel stuck when the first term is missing. Others ignore cyclic movement and miscalculate differences that cross from Z back to A. Recognising increasing step sizes and properly handling wrap around lets us solve such series reliably. Final Answer: The missing first term of the series is WT.

Question 6

In the following question, which one set of letters when sequentially placed in the blanks will complete the series m_o_mn_p_no_ correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a letter completion problem where a partially given series m_o_mn_p_no_ must be completed by inserting one of the provided five letter sequences into the blanks. The completed word like structure should expose a clear pattern. Recognising repeated alphabetic blocks is central to solving this type of question. Given Data / Assumptions: The incomplete pattern is m _ o _ m n _ p _ n o _. There are five blanks to be filled, from left to right, with the letters from exactly one of the options. Options are mmnno, ooppn, mnooo, and npomp. The final sequence should exhibit a systematic structure rather than random letters. Concept / Approach: An effective approach is to substitute each option into the blanks and then examine the completed sequence. We look for a recognisable pattern such as repeating groups of letters or a clear alphabetical progression. Since the visible letters already suggest something close to mnop repeating, checking for an mnop block is sensible. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify where the blanks appear. The pattern is m _ o _ m n _ p _ n o _, so the blanks are at positions 2, 4, 7, 9, and 12. Step 2: Insert option mmnno into the blanks. The resultant sequence is mmommnnpnnoo, which looks irregular and does not suggest a simple repeating block. Step 3: Insert option ooppn. This yields mooomnpppnon, again lacking any clear structured repetition like mnop or similar. Step 4: Insert option mnooo. This gives mmonmnoponoo, which partially includes mnop but does not reveal a clean repeated pattern. Step 5: Insert option npomp. The completed sequence is mnopmnopmnop. Step 6: We now clearly see that mnopmnopmnop is three consecutive repetitions of the block mnop, a very neat and standard alphabetical pattern. Verification / Alternative check: Confirm that mnopmnopmnop is exactly mnop repeated three times. The sequence contains mnop at positions 1 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12. No other insertion option produces such a clear and symmetric structure. This is exactly the type of pattern that exam setters prefer, confirming that npomp is the correct choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: The sequences generated by mmnno, ooppn, and mnooo either repeat letters in an uneven manner or break an emerging alphabetical flow. They do not correspond to a clean repetition of any natural block like mnop. As a result, they are far less plausible as intended completions. The none of these option is invalid, because npomp yields a perfectly regular series. Common Pitfalls: Some students may stop after testing only the first or second option, settling for a sequence that appears complicated but not truly systematic. Others may not think to look for well known patterns like abcd or mnop. Explicitly writing out each completed sequence and then checking for block repetition is a reliable way to avoid mistakes. Final Answer: The set of letters that correctly completes the series is npomp, producing mnopmnopmnop.

Question 7

Find the next term in the mixed alpha numeric series: YC3, XF6, WI9, ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a mixed alpha numeric series question where each term consists of two letters followed by a number. To find the next term in the series, we need to examine how the letters and numbers change in each step. Such questions combine letter series skills with number series analysis, making them slightly more demanding. Given Data / Assumptions: The given terms are YC3, XF6, and WI9. Each term follows the pattern letter letter number. The next term must continue the pattern for both letters and numbers simultaneously. Alphabetical positions run from A = 1 to Z = 26. Concept / Approach: We treat the first letters as one sequence, the second letters as another sequence, and the numbers as a third sequence. We look for a regular step, such as adding or subtracting a fixed value, in each of these three subsequences. If all three show a consistent pattern, we can project the next term. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the first letters: Y, X, W. Step 2: Their positions are Y = 25, X = 24, W = 23. This clearly shows a decrease of 1 each time. Step 3: Therefore, the next first letter must be 23 minus 1 equals 22, which corresponds to V. Step 4: Now examine the second letters: C, F, I. Step 5: Their positions are C = 3, F = 6, I = 9. The step size is plus 3 each time, since 3 to 6 and 6 to 9 are both plus 3. Step 6: Applying plus 3 again, 9 plus 3 equals 12, which corresponds to L. Thus, the second letter of the next term is L. Step 7: Finally, examine the numbers: 3, 6, 9. These form a simple arithmetic progression with a common difference of 3. Step 8: Adding 3 to 9 gives 12. So the numeric part of the next term is 12. Step 9: Combining all three results, the next term is VL12. Verification / Alternative check: As a quick verification, notice that the first letters form a descending sequence by 1, the second letters form an ascending sequence by 3, and the numbers also increase by 3 each time. Only VL12 preserves all three patterns. None of the other options provide the correct combination of letter and number increments. Why Other Options Are Wrong: UL12, VM12, and UM12 either have the wrong first letter or the wrong second letter when checked against the identified steps. For example, UL12 has U instead of V, which breaks the minus 1 rule, and UM12 has M instead of L, which breaks the plus 3 rule for the second letters. The none of these option is incorrect because VL12 fits the pattern perfectly. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes identify the numerical pattern correctly but guess the letters. Others may focus on one of the letter positions and ignore the second, leading to partially correct but ultimately wrong choices. Properly handling each subsequence separately and then recombining them is the best method. Final Answer: The correct next term in the series is VL12.

Question 8

A series is given with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given options that will complete the series ZXV, USQ, PNL, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a three letter alphabet series where all letters in each term follow a descending pattern. The student must identify how the positions of the letters shift from term to term and then use this observation to find the missing three letter group. Handling multiple letters moving in parallel is an important skill in series based reasoning questions. Given Data / Assumptions: The given series is ZXV, USQ, PNL, ? Each term has three uppercase letters. We use alphabetical positions A = 1 through Z = 26. The same rule should apply to all three positions across terms. Concept / Approach: We treat each letter position (first, second, and third) as its own sub series. We compute the differences between terms in terms of positions. If we see a constant negative difference, we continue that pattern to get the letters for the missing term. The structure suggests a steady backward movement in the alphabet. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the first letters: Z, U, P. Step 2: Their positions are Z = 26, U = 21, P = 16. Each step is minus 5: 26 to 21 and 21 to 16. Step 3: Apply minus 5 again: 16 minus 5 equals 11, which corresponds to K. So the first letter of the missing term is K. Step 4: Now write the second letters: X, S, N. Step 5: Their positions are X = 24, S = 19, N = 14. Again, each step is minus 5. Step 6: Subtract 5 from 14 to get 9, which corresponds to I. So the second letter is I. Step 7: Finally, consider the third letters: V, Q, L. Step 8: Their positions are V = 22, Q = 17, L = 12. Each step is again minus 5. Step 9: Subtract 5 from 12 to get 7, which corresponds to G. So the third letter is G. Step 10: Therefore, the missing term is KIG. Verification / Alternative check: We can summarise the pattern as a constant shift of minus 5 in every letter position. Z (26) to U (21) to P (16) to K (11), X (24) to S (19) to N (14) to I (9), and V (22) to Q (17) to L (12) to G (7) all follow this rule. No other option fits such a consistent minus 5 movement in all three positions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: MJH, JHF, and KJI do not match the minus 5 pattern when compared with PNL. For instance, from P (16) to M (13) is minus 3, not minus 5. Similarly, the second and third letters in those options break the required pattern. The none of these option is incorrect, because KIG matches the observed rule exactly. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to analyse only one letter position and choose an answer that works partially. Another is to miscount backwards in the alphabet, especially when crossing from earlier letters. Carefully writing the positions and checking all three letters helps prevent these errors. Final Answer: The three letter group that completes the series is KIG.

Question 9

From the given alternative words, select the word which cannot be formed using the letters of the word EXORBITANT.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the word formation category where one must decide which of the given options cannot be formed from the letters of the base word. The base word here is EXORBITANT. The key is to consider the frequency of each letter in the base word and ensure that any constructed word does not demand more instances of a letter than are available. Given Data / Assumptions: The base word is EXORBITANT. We can use each letter only as many times as it appears in EXORBITANT. Available letters and counts are: E(1), X(1), O(1), R(1), B(1), I(1), T(2), A(1), N(1). The option words are BITTER, EXPORT, EXNORA, and EXTANT. Concept / Approach: We check each option word letter by letter. For every letter, we compare how many times it appears in the option with its count in EXORBITANT. If an option requires more copies of any letter than are present in EXORBITANT, that option cannot be formed. If all letters are within the available counts, the word can be formed. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider BITTER. Letters are B, I, T, T, E, R. EXORBITANT contains B(1), I(1), T(2), E(1), and R(1), so BITTER can be formed exactly using these letters. Step 2: Consider EXTANT. Letters are E, X, T, A, N, T. EXORBITANT contains E(1), X(1), T(2), A(1), and N(1). All required letters and counts are available, so EXTANT can also be formed. Step 3: Consider EXNORA. Letters are E, X, N, O, R, A. The base word has exactly one of each of these letters, so EXNORA can be formed. Step 4: Consider EXPORT. Letters are E, X, P, O, R, T. We must check if P is present in EXORBITANT. Step 5: The letters in EXORBITANT do not include P at all. Therefore, EXPORT cannot be formed from EXORBITANT because it requires the letter P which is not available. Verification / Alternative check: To verify, we can again list the unique letters in EXORBITANT and confirm that P is missing. All the other letters in EXPORT (E, X, O, R, T) are present, but the absence of P alone is enough to make the formation impossible. The other options use only letters that exist in EXORBITANT within allowed counts. Why Other Options Are Wrong: BITTER uses two T letters, one B, one I, one E, and one R, all of which are available in adequate numbers. EXNORA uses one each of E, X, N, O, R, and A, all present. EXTANT uses two Ts and one each of E, X, A, and N, which are also available. Hence, these options can be formed and are not correct answers to the question of impossibility. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to check only whether all letters appear at least once, without considering the count of repeated letters such as T in BITTER and EXTANT. Here that is not problematic, but in other similar questions it may be crucial. Another mistake is overlooking a letter like P and assuming that EXPORT is fine because it looks similar to part of EXORBITANT. Final Answer: The word that cannot be formed from the letters of EXORBITANT is EXPORT.

Question 10

In the mixed letter series Z, S, W, O, T, K, Q, G, ?, ?, which pair of letters should replace the question marks to complete the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a typical alphabet series problem where two interleaved sequences run together. You are given the series Z, S, W, O, T, K, Q, G, ?, ? and asked to find the missing pair of letters. Such questions test your ability to separate overlapping patterns, understand alphabetical positions, and work with constant differences inside the English alphabet. Handling interleaved sequences is important for many competitive exams because it checks both observation and systematic reasoning. Given Data / Assumptions: The combined series is: Z, S, W, O, T, K, Q, G, ?, ? We consider the English alphabet positions A 1 to Z 26. We assume a single logical rule that applies consistently to the odd positions and another to the even positions. Exactly one ordered pair among the options must fit both patterns at the same time. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to split the mixed sequence into two separate sub series: one formed by letters in odd positions and the other by letters in even positions. Many exam questions hide two simple arithmetic progressions inside one combined list. Once we identify the rule for each subsequence using alphabet positions, we can extend each sequence independently to find the ninth and tenth terms. Finally, we join these two results as an ordered pair that replaces the question marks. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the series with positions: 1 Z, 2 S, 3 W, 4 O, 5 T, 6 K, 7 Q, 8 G, 9 ?, 10 ?. Step 2: Extract the odd position letters: 1 Z, 3 W, 5 T, 7 Q, 9 ?. Step 3: Convert these to numbers: Z 26, W 23, T 20, Q 17. The differences are minus 3 each time (26 to 23 to 20 to 17). Step 4: Continue the pattern one more step: 17 minus 3 equals 14, which corresponds to N. So the 9th term is N. Step 5: Now extract the even position letters: 2 S, 4 O, 6 K, 8 G, 10 ?. Step 6: Convert these to numbers: S 19, O 15, K 11, G 7. The difference each time is minus 4 (19 to 15 to 11 to 7). Step 7: Continue the pattern by subtracting 4 once more: 7 minus 4 equals 3, which is C. So the 10th term is C. Step 8: Therefore, the pair of missing letters is N at position 9 and C at position 10, written together as N,C. Verification / Alternative check: We can quickly re list both subsequences with the newly found terms. Odd positions: Z 26, W 23, T 20, Q 17, N 14 form a clean series decreasing by 3. Even positions: S 19, O 15, K 11, G 7, C 3 form a clean series decreasing by 4. No contradictions appear, and the adjusted full series Z, S, W, O, T, K, Q, G, N, C is now fully determined by simple arithmetic rules on alphabet positions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Pairs like N,D or O,D would break the even position pattern because D has position 4, which does not fit the minus 4 sequence 19, 15, 11, 7, 3. Options that start with O do not respect the minus 3 pattern in the odd positions, because after Q at 17 the next odd position cannot jump back up to O at 15. Only N,C preserves both sequences. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to search for a single pattern across all ten terms, rather than separating odd and even positions. Another pitfall is working directly with letters without converting them to their numeric positions, which makes the constant differences harder to see. Some candidates also guess based on visual closeness (for example, choosing letters near Q and G) without actually checking the arithmetic differences. Final Answer: The missing letters are N,C, so the completed series is Z, S, W, O, T, K, Q, G, N, C.

Question 11

In the letter series BCD, RQP, LMN, TS?, which letter should replace the question mark to complete the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question tests your ability to recognize patterns in three letter groups of the alphabet. The given series is BCD, RQP, LMN, TS?, and you must find the missing letter in the last group. The pattern mixes ascending and descending sequences, which is common in alphabet test questions. Understanding how these short blocks are constructed is important for quickly solving similar problems in bank and SSC examinations. Given Data / Assumptions: Series terms: BCD, RQP, LMN, TS?, each intended to be a three letter block. We use alphabet positions A 1 to Z 26. The first, second, and third letters inside each block may follow regular ascending or descending order. Exactly one option gives the correct final letter so that all blocks follow the same style of ordering. Concept / Approach: Within each three letter group we look at whether the letters are in ascending or descending consecutive order. BCD is clearly in ascending order, while RQP is in descending order. LMN is again ascending. This suggests that the series alternates between ascending and descending three letter sequences. The last term TS? should therefore be a descending triplet similar to RQP. That reasoning lets us decide what the third letter has to be. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Examine the first block BCD. In alphabet positions, B 2, C 3, D 4 are consecutive in increasing order. Step 2: Examine the second block RQP. The letters R 18, Q 17, P 16 are consecutive in decreasing order. Step 3: Examine the third block LMN. The letters L 12, M 13, N 14 again form three consecutive letters in increasing order. Step 4: Observe the pattern: ascending (BCD), descending (RQP), ascending (LMN). Therefore the fourth block TS? should be a descending sequence. Step 5: For a descending block starting with T and S, we need the third letter that comes just before S in the alphabet. The letters in descending order should be T, S, R. Step 6: Thus, the question mark should be replaced by R so that the last block becomes TSR, a proper three letter descending sequence. Verification / Alternative check: We can now rewrite the full pattern as BCD (ascending), RQP (descending), LMN (ascending), TSR (descending). The direction of ordering alternates in a clear up down pattern: up, down, up, down. No other letter after TS will maintain this alternating structure while also giving three consecutive letters. Trying U would give TSU, which is neither strictly ascending nor strictly descending, and similarly for other options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: U and V both lie after T in the alphabet, so TSU or TSV break the idea of a strictly decreasing sequence. T would give TST, which repeats letters and is not consecutive. S would give TSS, where the last two letters are the same and the sequence is neither ascending nor descending. Only R gives TSR, which matches the required property of three consecutive letters in descending order. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to focus on the first block only and assume all subsequent terms must be ascending, which ignores the descending nature of RQP. Another mistake is to look at the first letters of each block and search for a pattern there, instead of noticing that the structure lies inside each group. Always check how letters behave within each chunk, especially in three letter and four letter sequences. Final Answer: The missing letter is R, so the last block is TSR.

Question 12

Choose the correct alternative that will replace the question mark in the series DHL, PTX, BFJ, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here you are given a series of three letter groups: DHL, PTX, BFJ, ?. The task is to find the next three letter group that fits the hidden pattern. This is a classic alphabet coding problem where letters move in steps around the alphabet. What makes this series interesting is that all three positions in each triplet follow the same positional rule, but from different starting points. Given Data / Assumptions: Known terms: DHL, PTX, BFJ. Each triplet has three letters, which we can treat as first, second, and third positions in separate sequences. Alphabet positions are A 1 to Z 26, and after Z we can wrap around to A when adding a fixed amount. The same constant difference appears repeatedly in each sequence when considered modulo 26. Concept / Approach: The cleanest way is to treat each of the three positions separately. For the first letters we consider D, P, and B as a sequence. For the second letters we consider H, T, and F, and for the third letters L, X, and J. If each of these follows a regular arithmetic progression in the alphabet, then the next term in each progression gives us the three letters of the missing triplet. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert the first letters to numbers: D 4, P 16, B 2. Step 2: Notice that 4 to 16 is an increase of 12, and 16 to 2 is also effectively an increase of 12 if we work modulo 26 (16 + 12 = 28, and 28 minus 26 equals 2). Step 3: Continue this pattern: 2 + 12 equals 14, which corresponds to N. So the first letter of the missing triplet is N. Step 4: Now convert the second letters: H 8, T 20, F 6. Again, 8 to 20 is +12, and 20 to 6 is +12 modulo 26. Step 5: Add 12 to 6: 6 + 12 equals 18, corresponding to R. So the second letter is R. Step 6: For the third letters: L 12, X 24, J 10. We see 12 to 24 is +12, and 24 to 10 is also +12 modulo 26. Step 7: Add 12 to 10 to get 22, which is V. So the third letter is V, and the missing triplet is NRV. Verification / Alternative check: Write out all four triplets with their numeric positions: DHL (4,8,12), PTX (16,20,24), BFJ (2,6,10), NRV (14,18,22). For each column we have 4,16,2,14; 8,20,6,18; 12,24,10,22, each time adding 12 modulo 26. This confirms a uniform rule for all three positions. No other listed option creates such a consistent three column pattern with a constant step of 12. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options like KOS, NPS, or NRU break the strict plus 12 pattern in at least one of the letter positions. For example, KOS would give first letter K 11 instead of 14, and the progression 4,16,2,11 does not have a constant difference. Similarly, NRU changes the last letter from the required V 22 to U 21, again breaking the consistent arithmetic progression in the third column. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to look only at the first letters and stop once a partial pattern is found, without checking the second and third letters. Another pitfall is forgetting to use modulo 26 arithmetic and concluding that the numbers do not follow a regular step, when in fact they do after wrapping around the alphabet. Always compute the differences carefully and apply the same logic to all three positions. Final Answer: The correct triplet that replaces the question mark is NRV.

Question 13

Arrange the words Dyke, Dwindle, Dwell and Dye in correct dictionary (alphabetical) order and choose the correct sequence of their numbers.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of dictionary or alphabetical order. You are given four words: Dyke, Dwindle, Dwell, and Dye, with numbers 1 to 4 assigned. You must arrange them as they would appear in an English dictionary and then choose the correct numerical sequence. Such questions are very common in reasoning sections and are simple if you compare letters one by one carefully. Given Data / Assumptions: Words and their numbers: 1 Dyke, 2 Dwindle, 3 Dwell, 4 Dye. All words start with the letter D, so comparison starts effectively from the second letter. We follow standard dictionary rules: compare letters from left to right, and at the first point of difference, the word with the smaller letter comes first. Concept / Approach: To arrange words in dictionary order, we compare them lexicographically, that is, by their letters from left to right. When the first letters are the same, we move to the second letters, and so on. If one word is a prefix of another, the shorter word comes first. Here, all words begin with D, so we compare from the second letter onward, then the third, and so on whenever letters match. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the words clearly: Dyke, Dwindle, Dwell, Dye. Step 2: Observe the first letter of each word. All start with D, so the first letter does not help ordering. Step 3: Compare the second letters: y in Dyke and Dye, w in Dwindle and Dwell. Because w comes before y in the alphabet, all words starting with Dw come before any starting with Dy. Step 4: Focus on the Dw words: Dwindle and Dwell. Compare their third letters: Dwindle has i (Dwi...), Dwell has e (Dwe...). Since e comes before i, Dwell comes before Dwindle. Step 5: Now focus on the Dy words: Dyke and Dye. Both have second letter y. Compare their third letters: Dyke has k, Dye has e. Since e comes before k, Dye comes before Dyke. Step 6: Combine both parts. Among all four words, we get the order: Dwell, Dwindle, Dye, Dyke. Step 7: Map this back to the numbers: 3 for Dwell, 2 for Dwindle, 4 for Dye, 1 for Dyke, yielding 3,2,4,1. Verification / Alternative check: We can check quickly by imagining an actual dictionary page. All Dw words would be listed before Dy words. Within Dw, words are sorted as Dwe... then Dwi..., confirming Dwell then Dwindle. Within Dy, words are sorted as Dye then Dyke. This matches our final sequence. No other ordering among the options respects both the Dw versus Dy grouping and the internal comparisons that we performed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any option that starts with 1 (Dyke) or 4 (Dye) places a Dy word before a Dw word, which contradicts dictionary order because w comes before y. Options that list 2 before 3 place Dwindle before Dwell, ignoring that Dwe is alphabetically before Dwi. Hence, options like 1,3,4,2 or 2,1,3,4 are inconsistent with lexicographic comparison. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates only look at the second letters y and w and then immediately order words as Dyke, Dye, Dwell, Dwindle without carefully resolving the internal ordering within each group. Others may compare only the first two letters and forget to check the third when needed. Always compare letters step by step until a clear difference appears, and then fix the order based on that position. Final Answer: The correct dictionary order is Dwell, Dwindle, Dye, Dyke, corresponding to the sequence 3,2,4,1.

Question 14

Which one set of letters, when sequentially placed in the blanks, will complete the repeating letter series H__JH__IJHHI__HH__JH?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question gives a partially hidden letter series H__JH__IJHHI__HH__JH and asks you to choose a set of four letters that, when placed in the blanks in order, completes a regular pattern. This is a typical letter series completion problem where a short block of letters repeats several times. Recognising the repeating unit is the quickest way to reach the correct answer. Given Data / Assumptions: Original pattern with four blanks: H__JH__IJHHI__HH__JH. Each answer option provides four letters to be inserted from left to right into the four blank positions. We are looking for a simple, regular repetition of a short group of letters. The main letters present repeatedly are H, I, and J. Concept / Approach: A good approach is to suspect that the sequence is built from a small repeating block, for example HIJH or HJIH. We can test each option by filling the blanks and then checking whether the resulting full series can be divided into equal sized repeating groups. The correct set of letters should produce a pattern that is both simple and uniform throughout the entire string. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Represent each pair of underscores as a single blank and rewrite the skeleton as H x1 J H x2 I J H H I x3 H H x4 J H. Step 2: Try option A, which gives the letters I, H, J, I for x1, x2, x3, x4 respectively. Step 3: Substitute them: the sequence becomes H I J H H I J H H I J H H I J H. Step 4: Now group the final sequence into blocks of four letters: HIJH | HIJH | HIJH | HIJH. Step 5: We can see that the block HIJH repeats exactly four times without any break, so the pattern is extremely regular. Verification / Alternative check: To be certain, quickly test other options. For example, using option B (H, I, H, I) gives a string which, when grouped, does not produce four identical blocks. Irregularities appear in the positions of I and J, which shows that the underlying pattern is broken. Option C and option D similarly fail to create a fully consistent repetition of any simple four letter sequence. Only option A produces a full series that is a clean repetition of HIJH. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B H I H I leads to a mixture of segments where the position of J changes unpredictably, so you cannot find a single block that repeats. Option C I H I J and option D H J H J also fail to generate four identical consecutive blocks and create asymmetrical patterns. Since the question expects one neat repetitive series, any option that does not give a perfect repetition of a four letter block must be rejected. Common Pitfalls: A common mistake is to focus only on filling the first blank and then guessing the rest without checking the entire completed string. Another pitfall is to look for a complicated rule instead of checking the simplest possibility: a short repeating block. Writing the full sequence for a promising option and grouping it into equal parts is the most reliable way to avoid confusion. Final Answer: The correct set of letters is I H J I, which makes the series a repetition of HIJH four times.

Question 15

In the letter series A, C, E, G, ?, which letter should replace the question mark to continue the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a straightforward single letter series: A, C, E, G, ?, where you must identify the next letter. Questions like this test recognition of simple arithmetic progressions in alphabet positions. Because only one letter is missing and the steps are small, this is considered an easy level question. Given Data / Assumptions: Given letters: A, C, E, G, ? Alphabet positions: A 1, B 2, C 3, D 4, and so on up to Z 26. The series appears to be strictly increasing and uses only consonants and vowels in a regular fashion. Concept / Approach: The best approach is to convert each letter into its numeric position, compute the differences between consecutive terms, and see whether a constant difference emerges. If so, we simply add the same difference to the last term to get the position of the missing letter. Finally, we map that position back to its corresponding letter. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Replace each letter with its position: A 1, C 3, E 5, G 7. Step 2: Compute the differences between consecutive terms: 3 minus 1 equals 2, 5 minus 3 equals 2, and 7 minus 5 equals 2. Step 3: The difference is a constant +2 throughout the series. Step 4: Continue this pattern by adding 2 to the last position. 7 plus 2 equals 9. Step 5: The 9th letter of the alphabet is I. Step 6: Therefore, the missing letter that continues the series is I. Verification / Alternative check: We can rewrite the full series including the answer as A (1), C (3), E (5), G (7), I (9). This is simply all odd numbered positions from 1 to 9, stepping by 2. No other option gives such a neat arithmetic progression. If we tried H (8) or J (10), the difference pattern of plus 2 would break at the missing term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: H corresponds to position 8, which would create a jump of +1 from G 7 to H 8 instead of +2. J is 10, which would give a jump of +3 from 7, again breaking the constant difference pattern. F is 6, which would move backwards and disrupt the simple increasing sequence. K is 11, and going from 7 directly to 11 would be a jump of +4, which does not match the established difference. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates guess based on visual familiarity with letters (for example, thinking of common letter pairs like G and H) without actually calculating positions. Others may incorrectly assume a mixture of increments, but with four terms already provided, it is easy to see that the consistent difference is +2. Converting to numeric positions and checking the differences is the safest method. Final Answer: The letter that completes the series is I.

Question 16

In the letter pattern _ yzaa _ y _ xy _ aazy _, which one set of letters, when placed in the blanks from left to right, will correctly complete the series?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question involves a partially hidden sequence using the letters x, y, z, and a. The pattern is written as _ yzaa _ y _ xy _ aazy _, and you must choose a five letter set to fill the blanks from left to right. Many such alphabet test questions are built by repeating a fixed block of letters. Here, finding that underlying block is the key to solving the problem. Given Data / Assumptions: Skeleton pattern: _ y z a a _ y _ x y _ a a z y _. There are five blanks to be filled in order. Answer choices: xxzzx, xxaza, xzxzx, aazzx, zzxax. The completed series should form a simple, repeating block pattern with no contradictions. Concept / Approach: The letters y, z, a, and x appear repeatedly, hinting at a short block such as xyzaa or xyzaazyx. A useful technique is to try an option and then see whether the resulting full string can be split into equal sized repeating segments. The correct option should produce a string where a fixed block of letters repeats exactly, which is typical in exam style series completion problems. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Represent the blanks as x1, x2, x3, x4, x5 and write the pattern as x1 y z a a x2 y x3 x y x4 a a z y x5. Step 2: Test option C, xzxzx, which assigns x1 x, x2 z, x3 x, x4 z, x5 x. Step 3: Substitute these values. The completed string becomes: x y z a a z y x x y z a a z y x. Step 4: Now group the sequence into two equal blocks of 8 letters each: first block x y z a a z y x, second block x y z a a z y x. Step 5: Both blocks are identical, so the full series is simply the block xyzaazyx repeated twice. This is a very clean and regular pattern. Verification / Alternative check: Check briefly that other options do not create the same kind of neat repetition. For instance, using xxzzx produces the string x y z a a x y z x y z a a z y x, which cannot be split into identical halves or into a simple repeating block of reasonable length. Option B xxaza gives uneven blocks where one part is xyzaa but the other part does not match. Options D and E also lead to irregular strings where no short block repeats exactly. Thus, only xzxzx gives the repeating pattern xyzaazyx xyzaazyx. Why Other Options Are Wrong: With xxzzx, repeated letters occur in places that break the symmetry between the first and second half of the sequence. xxaza gives a partial occurrence of xyzaa, but the rest of the letters do not align to form identical blocks. aazzx and zzxax introduce combinations like aa or zz in positions that destroy the neat xyzaazyx structure. Therefore these combinations cannot be the intended completion of the pattern. Common Pitfalls: A common pitfall is to try to match only the beginning of the sequence and stop once the first few letters look promising. Another mistake is to search for a complicated rule relating positions and letters, when the actual pattern is just a repeated block. Writing out the full string for each candidate option and checking whether it splits into equal, identical segments is the most reliable technique for such problems. Final Answer: The set of letters that correctly completes the series is xzxzx, giving the repeated block xyzaazyx twice.

Question 17

In the letter pair series AG, LR, WC, HN, ?, which of the following pairs should come next to continue the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem presents the series of letter pairs AG, LR, WC, HN, and asks you to select the next pair from the options. Many letter pair questions hide two separate patterns: one for the first letters of each pair and another for the second letters. Here, recognising both progressions is essential to finding the correct answer. Given Data / Assumptions: Given pairs: AG, LR, WC, HN, ? First letters form the sequence A, L, W, H, ? Second letters form the sequence G, R, C, N, ? We work with alphabet positions A 1 to Z 26 and allow wrap around from Z back to A when adding a constant. Concept / Approach: We treat the first letters as one numeric series and the second letters as another. In many exam questions, both series follow a constant difference, possibly with wrap around. Once we determine the difference for the first letters and the second letters, we can extend each progression by one step to get the missing pair. Then we select the option that matches this computed pair. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert first letters to positions: A 1, L 12, W 23, H 8. Step 2: Compute differences: from 1 to 12 is +11, from 12 to 23 is +11, and from 23 to 8 is also +11 if we wrap around (23 + 11 equals 34, and 34 minus 26 equals 8). Step 3: Continue this pattern by adding 11 to 8: 8 + 11 equals 19, which corresponds to S. So the next first letter is S. Step 4: Now convert the second letters G, R, C, N to numbers: G 7, R 18, C 3, N 14. Step 5: Compute the differences: 7 to 18 is +11, 18 to 3 is +11 modulo 26 (18 + 11 equals 29, 29 minus 26 equals 3), and 3 to 14 is again +11. Step 6: Continue with the same rule: 14 + 11 equals 25, which corresponds to Y. Step 7: Therefore, the next pair is S (19) and Y (25), written as SY. Verification / Alternative check: We can list the full sequence of pairs with numeric positions: AG (1,7), LR (12,18), WC (23,3), HN (8,14), SY (19,25). In each column, the numbers increase by 11 modulo 26: 1,12,23,8,19 and 7,18,3,14,25. This is a very consistent pattern, and there is no deviation in any step. None of the other options matches the letter pair S and Y at the same time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: QY has first letter Q 17, which does not follow the +11 sequence 1,12,23,8,19. RX has second letter X 24, not 25. TZ produces T 20 and Z 26, neither of which fits the continuation of the plus 11 rule for both columns. UX gives U 21 and X 24, again breaking both established progressions. Common Pitfalls: Some learners look only at the second letters and attempt to guess based on rough visual patterns, ignoring the first letters. Others do not consider wrap around arithmetic from Z back to A, and so miss the true constant difference. Always convert letters to numbers, check for a consistent difference in both sequences, and remember that adding a constant modulo 26 is allowed. Final Answer: The pair that correctly continues the series is SY.

Question 18

In the letter series T, Q, N, K, H, E, B, Y, V, S, P, ?, ?, ?, which three letters should replace the question marks to complete the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question gives a long single letter series: T, Q, N, K, H, E, B, Y, V, S, P, ?, ?, ?, and asks you to choose the correct group of three letters that should replace the question marks. The pattern is not immediately obvious, but once you translate letters to their positions and look at the differences, a very simple rule appears. Given Data / Assumptions: Known part of the series: T, Q, N, K, H, E, B, Y, V, S, P. Three letters are missing at the end. Alphabet positions A 1 to Z 26 are used. The same step size is expected between consecutive letters throughout the series. Concept / Approach: Because the series alternates between letters that move backwards in the alphabet and also wraps around from B to Y, it is natural to suspect a fixed negative step. By converting each letter to its numeric position and computing consecutive differences, we can detect that the step size is constant. Then we extend the progression by three more steps to get the missing letters and choose the option that matches exactly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert each known letter to its alphabet position: T 20, Q 17, N 14, K 11, H 8, E 5, B 2, Y 25, V 22, S 19, P 16. Step 2: Compute the differences: 20 to 17 is minus 3, 17 to 14 is minus 3, 14 to 11 is minus 3, and so on down to 5 to 2 which is minus 3. Step 3: From B 2 to Y 25 is also minus 3 if we wrap around the alphabet, because 2 minus 3 is minus 1, and adding 26 gives 25. Step 4: Continue checking: 25 to 22 is minus 3, 22 to 19 is minus 3, and 19 to 16 is minus 3. The entire series so far follows a constant step of minus 3. Step 5: To find the next letters after P 16, subtract 3 repeatedly. First: 16 minus 3 equals 13, which is M. Next: 13 minus 3 equals 10, which is J. Next: 10 minus 3 equals 7, which is G. Step 6: Therefore, the three missing letters are M, J, G, in that order, forming MJG. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full extended series including the missing letters: T (20), Q (17), N (14), K (11), H (8), E (5), B (2), Y (25), V (22), S (19), P (16), M (13), J (10), G (7). Every consecutive step is minus 3 in positions, respecting wrap around between B and Y. No other triple in the answer choices produces this exact continuation of the minus 3 pattern. Why Other Options Are Wrong: NKG would produce letters N (14), K (11), G (7). However, if we add these after P 16, the step from P 16 to N 14 would be minus 2, not minus 3, breaking the pattern. NKI, MJH, and LJG similarly give at least one step that is not minus 3. Only MJG maintains the uniform negative step of 3 each time. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to focus only on a part of the series, for example T, Q, N, K, and conclude that the pattern is simply stepping backward by 3, then think that the wrap around from B to Y is an exception. In reality the same minus 3 rule applies across the wrap. Another pitfall is to search for alternating or more complicated patterns before checking for a simple constant difference. Always convert letters into numbers and compute differences first. Final Answer: The three missing letters that complete the series are MJG.

Question 19

In the letter triplet series CEG, IKM, OQS, which of the following triplets should come next to continue the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents a neat letter triplet series: CEG, IKM, OQS, ?, and asks you to choose the next triplet. Each group consists of three letters that increase by a fixed step in the alphabet. Recognising this simple structure makes the problem quick to solve. Given Data / Assumptions: Given triplets: CEG, IKM, OQS. Each triplet has three letters that appear to be in ascending order. Alphabet positions: A 1 to Z 26. We assume a constant step between corresponding letters of consecutive triplets. Concept / Approach: First, examine each triplet internally to see if the letters are equally spaced. Then, look at how the first letters of each triplet progress, how the second letters progress, and how the third letters progress. If each column follows the same pattern (for example, adding 6 each time), then we can easily predict the next triplet by applying this rule once more. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Break down CEG. The positions of C, E, and G are 3, 5, and 7. The differences are +2 from C to E and +2 from E to G. Step 2: Do the same for IKM. I 9, K 11, M 13. Again the differences are +2 and +2. Step 3: For OQS, O 15, Q 17, S 19. The spacing is still +2 between successive letters. Step 4: Now examine the first letters C, I, O. Their positions are 3, 9, 15, which increase by +6 each time. Step 5: Continue that pattern: 15 + 6 equals 21, which corresponds to U. So the first letter of the next triplet is U. Step 6: For the second letters E, K, Q, positions are 5, 11, 17, also increasing by +6. So the next second letter is 17 + 6 equals 23, which is W. Step 7: For the third letters G, M, S, positions are 7, 13, 19, again a +6 pattern. The next third letter is 19 + 6 equals 25, which is Y. Step 8: Therefore, the next triplet in the series is UWY. Verification / Alternative check: We can see that each triplet is a block of three letters separated by +2 steps, and the starting letter of each block jumps forward by +6: CEG, IKM, OQS, UWY. None of the other options fits both conditions: internal spacing of +2 and an external shift of +6 between corresponding letters. Why Other Options Are Wrong: UYX mixes positions 21, 25, 24, where internal differences are not consistently +2. UVY uses U 21, V 22, Y 25, which gives internal gaps of +1 and +3. TWY starts with T rather than U and so breaks the +6 progression. VXZ changes both the starting letter and the internal spacing, so it cannot be correct. Common Pitfalls: Some learners only check the internal pattern (for example, noticing that CEG, IKM, and OQS each have letters with +2 spacing) and then choose any triplet with +2 spacing, even if its starting point does not follow the outer progression. Always check both layers: the structure inside each triplet and the progression between triplets. Final Answer: The next triplet in the series is UWY.

Question 20

From the given alternative words, select the word which cannot be formed using the letters of the word "Biological" (each letter used at most once).

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a word formation question based on the word "Biological". You must determine which of the given words cannot be formed using the letters of "Biological", with each letter used at most once. Such questions test your ability to count letters and compare letter requirements between a base word and candidate words. Given Data / Assumptions: Base word: Biological. Letters of "Biological": B, I, O, L, O, G, I, C, A, L. Available letter counts: B 1, I 2, O 2, L 2, G 1, C 1, A 1. Options: Logic, Globe, Bail, Bill, Local. Each letter of the base word can be used at most once per formed word. Concept / Approach: To decide whether a given word can be formed, we break it into letters and compare the number of each letter required with the number available in the base word. If any required letter is not present in the base word, or is required more times than available, then that candidate word cannot be formed. Otherwise, it is a valid formation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: List the available letters and their counts from "Biological": B 1, I 2, O 2, L 2, G 1, C 1, A 1. Step 2: Check "Logic". It consists of L, O, G, I, C. Each of these letters appears in the base word and none is required more than once. So "Logic" can be formed. Step 3: Check "Globe". It consists of G, L, O, B, E. G, L, O, and B are present in "Biological", but the letter E does not occur at all in the base word. Step 4: Because E is completely absent, "Globe" cannot be formed from the letters of "Biological". Step 5: Check "Bail". Letters are B, A, I, L. Each appears in the base word, with B 1, A 1, I 2, L 2 available, so "Bail" can be formed. Step 6: Check "Bill". Letters are B, I, L, L. The base word has B 1, I 2, and L 2, so "Bill" is also formable. Step 7: Check "Local". Letters are L, O, C, A, L. All appear in "Biological" with sufficient counts (L 2, O 2, C 1, A 1), so "Local" can be formed as well. Verification / Alternative check: We can summarise: the only suspect letter across options is E in "Globe". Since E does not appear in "Biological" even once, no rearrangement of the base letters can produce a word containing E. All other options are made solely from letters that are present and do not exceed the available counts, so they are valid formations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: "Logic" uses L, O, G, I, C, all of which are available. "Bail" uses B, A, I, L, again all present with enough frequency. "Bill" uses B, I, L, L and is also supported by the letter distribution. "Local" uses L twice and O, C, A once each, which fits perfectly. These words therefore can be formed and are not the correct answer to the question. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates quickly scan and mark the longest word or the one that looks most complex, instead of actually checking letter counts. Others overlook repeated letters and do not verify whether the base word has enough copies. The safest method is always to count the occurrences in both the base word and each candidate word, even if the word looks simple. Final Answer: The word that cannot be formed from "Biological" is Globe.

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