Question 1

A sequence of three letter groups is given with the first term missing. Identify the group that fits before ONM, GFE, XWV: ?, ONM, GFE, XWV.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents three letter groups in descending order and asks you to find a missing starting group. Each given group, such as ONM, GFE, and XWV, consists of three consecutive letters written backwards. Your task is to find a similar descending triplet that best fits as the first element of the sequence. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known part of the sequence: ONM, GFE, XWV. • Each given group is a descending sequence of three consecutive letters. • Standard alphabet positions A = 1 to Z = 26 are assumed. • The missing term should logically match this style of three letter descending clusters. Concept / Approach: We first note the internal structure of each known group: ONM is O, N, M descending; GFE is G, F, E descending; XWV is X, W, V descending. These are all three step backward sequences. Because the question only asks which term fits as the missing first group, and all answer options are also three letter groups, we must choose the one that is also a descending consecutive triplet and fits naturally with the others. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Describe the structure of the existing groups. ONM = O (15), N (14), M (13) descending by 1. GFE = G (7), F (6), E (5) descending by 1. XWV = X (24), W (23), V (22) descending by 1. Step 2: Examine the options. TUV is ascending: T (20), U (21), V (22). VUT is descending: V (22), U (21), T (20). GHI and PQR are ascending sequences. Step 3: Since the known triplets are all descending by one step, the missing group must also be a descending triplet. Only VUT matches this structure. Verification / Alternative check: We can view the four triplets as independent examples of the same pattern: each is a block of three consecutive letters in reverse order. VUT belongs to the same category as ONM, GFE, and XWV. The other options do not fit because they move forward instead of backward. The problem does not impose a strict numeric pattern on starting letters, it mainly insists on structural similarity of each block. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • TUV: This is an ascending sequence and does not match the descending style of ONM, GFE, or XWV. • GHI: Also ascending, and moreover it would duplicate the letter G from GFE in a way that does not enhance any broader pattern. • PQR: Another ascending sequence that has no clear structural link to the three descending groups already present. Common Pitfalls: Many candidates try to impose a strict arithmetic rule that connects the starting letters numerically, even when the main intention is only structural similarity within each block. This can lead to overcomplication. When multiple choices are available, always check for simple shared features first, such as ascending or descending order, before searching for deeper numeric relationships. Final Answer: The group that best fits before ONM, GFE, and XWV is VUT.

Question 2

A series of letter pairs is given with one pair missing. Select the pair that follows the same pattern: RS, ?, BC, GH.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This alphabet series uses letter pairs that move around the alphabet in equal steps. Your task is to identify the missing pair that keeps the transformation consistent from RS through to BC and GH. Such questions often require modular arithmetic because the sequence wraps from Z back to A. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known pairs: RS, ?, BC, GH. • We consider A = 1, ..., Z = 26 and apply additions modulo 26. • The same numeric shift is used to move from one pair to the next. • The rule is applied independently to the first and second letters but with equal step sizes. Concept / Approach: We hypothesize that there is a constant step between consecutive pairs when viewed modulo 26. Thus, starting from RS we add a fixed number to get the next pair, and from that pair we add the same number again to obtain BC, and so on. Because the alphabet cycles, addition beyond Z wraps around to the beginning. We must determine this step size. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert letters to positions. R = 18, S = 19, B = 2, C = 3, G = 7, H = 8. Step 2: Determine the step from the missing pair to BC and from BC to GH. From B (2) to G (7) we add 5. From C (3) to H (8) we also add 5. So the transition from BC to GH is +5 for both letters. Step 3: Assume the same +5 step holds from RS to the missing pair and from the missing pair to BC. Apply +5 to R and S: 18 + 5 = 23 (W), 19 + 5 = 24 (X). So the pair after RS should be WX. Step 4: Verify that applying +5 again yields BC. W is 23, 23 + 5 = 28, 28 − 26 = 2 (B). X is 24, 24 + 5 = 29, 29 − 26 = 3 (C). This matches BC. Verification / Alternative check: We now have a sequence of pairs: RS, WX, BC, GH. Each transformation adds 5 to the letters modulo 26. This pattern holds for both letters in every step. None of the other options, if placed as the missing pair, would allow this consistent +5 progression to produce BC and GH correctly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • XY: If we use XY, then from XY to BC the step would not be +5 modulo 26 for both letters. • UV: Inserting UV breaks the uniform step pattern and fails to map neatly to BC and GH using a single constant step. • GE: This pair does not fit any single step pattern linking RS, GE, BC, and GH, and specifically conflicts with the observed +5 from BC to GH. Common Pitfalls: Exam takers sometimes forget to use modulo arithmetic when letters pass beyond Z. Others may only check the step between RS and the missing pair and ignore the later steps, causing inconsistent choices. It is essential to verify that one constant step size works for the entire sequence. Final Answer: The missing pair that correctly continues the pattern is WX.

Question 3

A sequence of three letter groups is given with one term missing. Choose the group that correctly completes the pattern: BFK, KOT, UYD, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is an alphabet series problem where each term is a three letter group, and the pattern involves increasing step sizes in letter positions. You need to detect how each letter in the triplets moves and then predict the next group. Recognizing varying step increments is crucial for solving such questions accurately. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given groups: BFK, KOT, UYD, ? • Alphabet positions: A = 1 to Z = 26. • First, second, and third letters each follow their own numeric sequence. • The increment between terms can change but should do so in a simple pattern. Concept / Approach: We separately analyze the first letters (B, K, U), the second letters (F, O, Y), and the third letters (K, T, D). We convert each to numeric form and check the differences: if we see steps like +9, +10, etc., we can extend the pattern logically. Once we identify the next position values, we convert them back to letters to form the missing group. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyze the first letters: B, K, U. Positions: B = 2, K = 11, U = 21. Differences: 2 → 11 is +9, 11 → 21 is +10. The increment increases by 1, so the next step should be +11. Next first letter: 21 + 11 = 32, 32 − 26 = 6, which is F. Step 2: Analyze the second letters: F, O, Y. Positions: F = 6, O = 15, Y = 25. Differences: 6 → 15 is +9, 15 → 25 is +10. Again, the increment rises by 1, so the next step is +11. Next second letter: 25 + 11 = 36, 36 − 26 = 10, which is J. Step 3: Analyze the third letters: K, T, D. Positions: K = 11, T = 20, D = 4. Differences: 11 → 20 is +9, 20 → 4 corresponds to +10 modulo 26 (20 + 10 = 30, 30 − 26 = 4). So the next difference is +11. Next third letter: 4 + 11 = 15, which is O. Step 4: Combine letters to get the missing term FJO. Verification / Alternative check: We can summarize the numeric sequences: first letters 2, 11, 21, 6 (with +9, +10, +11), second letters 6, 15, 25, 10, and third letters 11, 20, 4, 15, all using the same +9, +10, +11 pattern under modulo 26. This consistent structure confirms FJO as the correct continuation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • BFJ: This breaks the growing step pattern in all three letter positions. • ADG: These letters do not match the predicted numeric results after applying the +11 increment from the previous term. • PSX: While visually similar in length, this option fails to satisfy the arithmetic relationships for any of the letter columns. Common Pitfalls: Some test takers only look at letter shapes or approximate distances rather than exact numeric increments, leading them away from the consistent +9, +10, +11 pattern. Others may forget to handle wrap around when values exceed 26. Using explicit modular arithmetic helps avoid such errors. Final Answer: The three letter group that correctly completes the series is FJO.

Question 4

A series of letter pairs is given with one pair missing. Choose the pair that completes the pattern: ZA, XC, TG, NM, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This alphabet series problem uses pairs of letters that move symmetrically through the alphabet. The first letters descend while the second letters ascend, with step sizes that gradually change. You need to find the next pair that maintains this dual pattern. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given pairs: ZA, XC, TG, NM, ? • English alphabet positions: A = 1 to Z = 26. • The first letters form one sequence; the second letters form another. • The step sizes between consecutive first letters and second letters may grow in a simple numeric way. Concept / Approach: We convert each letter to its numeric position and then examine how first letters change from Z to X to T to N, and how second letters change from A to C to G to M. When we compute the differences, a pattern emerges with step sizes −2, −4, −6 for first letters and +2, +4, +6 for second letters. We then extend these patterns to get the next pair. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyze first letters: Z, X, T, N. Positions: Z = 26, X = 24, T = 20, N = 14. Differences: 26 → 24 is −2, 24 → 20 is −4, 20 → 14 is −6. The negative step size increases by 2 each time. Next difference: −8, so 14 − 8 = 6, which is F. Step 2: Analyze second letters: A, C, G, M. Positions: A = 1, C = 3, G = 7, M = 13. Differences: 1 → 3 is +2, 3 → 7 is +4, 7 → 13 is +6. The positive step size increases by 2 each time. Next difference: +8, so 13 + 8 = 21, which is U. Step 3: Combine the results to get the pair FU. Verification / Alternative check: The full numeric pattern is: first letters 26, 24, 20, 14, 6 with steps −2, −4, −6, −8; second letters 1, 3, 7, 13, 21 with steps +2, +4, +6, +8. This is a smooth and symmetric pattern of increasing step sizes, making FU the only consistent continuation. None of the other options fulfill both sequences at once. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • KL: These letters do not emerge from the −8 and +8 changes required from N and M respectively. • LM: This pair is too close to the previous pair NM and does not reflect the larger step sizes that the pattern demands. • TI: The first letter T would move backwards, and the second letter I would move forward, but both with incorrect step sizes compared to the established sequence. Common Pitfalls: A frequent error is to assume a constant step size for the entire sequence. Another is to guess based only on approximate positions without calculating the exact differences. When step sizes themselves evolve, careful numeric work is essential. Final Answer: The pair that correctly completes the sequence is FU.

Question 5

A series of letter pairs is given with one pair missing. Choose the option that completes the pattern: CD, ?, MN, UV, EF.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem involves letter pairs where the starting letters move through the alphabet with steadily increasing step sizes. You are asked to determine the second pair in the sequence. Because the letters wrap around the alphabet, modular arithmetic is required to check the pattern correctly. Given Data / Assumptions: • Sequence: CD, ?, MN, UV, EF. • Each pair consists of two consecutive letters (C with D, M with N, etc.). • Alphabet positions: A = 1 to Z = 26. • We assume a regular pattern of growing step sizes between starting letters. Concept / Approach: Because each pair is made of consecutive letters, we can focus on the first letters and treat them as a numeric sequence. We look for a pattern in the steps from the first letter of one pair to the first letter of the next. Then, we confirm that the same pattern can explain the entire sequence, including wrapping from Z back to A. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note the known first letters. CD starts at C (3), MN starts at M (13), UV starts at U (21), EF starts at E (5). Step 2: Examine steps between known first letters. From M (13) to U (21) is +8. From U (21) to E (5) is +10 modulo 26 (21 + 10 = 31, 31 − 26 = 5). This suggests a pattern of increasing step sizes. Step 3: Propose a sequence of steps: +4, +6, +8, +10 for the first letters. Starting at C (3), a +4 step gives 7, which is G. Adding +6 yields 13, which is M. Adding +8 yields 21, which is U. Adding +10 yields 31, which wraps to 5, E. Step 4: This sequence 3, 7, 13, 21, 5 matches C, G, M, U, E exactly and respects the +4, +6, +8, +10 pattern. Therefore, the missing first letter is G, and the pair must be GH since each pair contains consecutive letters. Verification / Alternative check: The full series of pairs becomes CD, GH, MN, UV, EF. Starting letters C, G, M, U, E now follow the increasing jump pattern, and second letters D, H, N, V, F naturally accompany them as next letters in each pair. No other option provides a first letter that produces this neat run of step sizes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • EF: This is already present at the end of the sequence and cannot correctly serve as the second term. • KL: This would give a starting letter K, which does not fit the proposed +4, +6, +8, +10 pattern originating from C and ending at E. • ML: This starts with M, which is already used as the third pair start, and disrupts the increasing step structure. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates attempt to use a constant step size for the first letters, which fails here. Others may ignore the wrap around from U to E and misinterpret the last step. Carefully testing increasing step patterns and handling wrap around explicitly prevents these mistakes. Final Answer: The pair that correctly completes the series is GH.

Question 6

A series of letter pairs is given with one pair missing. Select the option that continues the pattern: BB, DZ, GW, KS, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This alphabet series uses letter pairs whose first letters move forward in increasing steps, while the second letters move backward in increasing steps. You need to find the next pair that respects both of these evolving patterns. This kind of two way movement is common in reasoning questions. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known pairs: BB, DZ, GW, KS, ? • Alphabet positions: A = 1 to Z = 26. • First letters: B, D, G, K. • Second letters: B, Z, W, S. Concept / Approach: We treat the first letters as one numeric sequence and the second letters as another. By using positions, we compute changes from B to D to G to K, and from B to Z to W to S. The pattern reveals steadily increasing step sizes in both directions, which we then extend to find the next letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyze first letters B, D, G, K. Positions: B = 2, D = 4, G = 7, K = 11. Differences: 2 → 4 is +2, 4 → 7 is +3, 7 → 11 is +4. So the increments are +2, +3, +4, meaning the next increment should be +5. Next first letter: 11 + 5 = 16, which is P. Step 2: Analyze second letters B, Z, W, S. Positions: B = 2, Z = 26, W = 23, S = 19. Differences: 2 → 26 is −2 (or +24), 26 → 23 is −3, 23 → 19 is −4. So the negative increments are −2, −3, −4, meaning the next should be −5. Next second letter: 19 − 5 = 14, which is N. Step 3: Combine P and N to form the pair PN. Verification / Alternative check: The full numeric patterns are: first letters 2, 4, 7, 11, 16 with increments +2, +3, +4, +5; second letters 2, 26, 23, 19, 14 with increments −2, −3, −4, −5. Both sequences show a clear, steadily increasing magnitude in steps, so PN is the only pair that keeps this structure intact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • IK: First letter I is 9, which does not match the expected next first letter P at position 16. • IG: Both letters I and G fail to fit the +5 and −5 changes predicted by the pattern. • PS: Although P is correct for the first letter, S is 19 and would require no change from the previous second letter, breaking the −5 step. Common Pitfalls: Many test takers focus on only the first letters and stop when they see a partial pattern, then pick an option with that first letter but a wrong second letter. Always verify that both positions obey the same type of evolving step rule, especially in two way series like this. Final Answer: The letter pair that correctly completes this series is PN.

Question 7

A series of letter pairs is given with one pair missing. Select the pair that continues the pattern: HI, MN, RS, ?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a simple alphabetic pair sequence where each pair consists of two consecutive letters. The starting letters progress forward through the alphabet. Your task is to identify the next pair that keeps this development consistent. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given pairs: HI, MN, RS, ? • Alphabet positions: A = 1 to Z = 26. • Each pair is composed of consecutive letters (H with I, M with N, etc.). • The first letters follow a regular forward step pattern. Concept / Approach: We focus on the first letters: H, M, and R. Converting them into numbers reveals a constant step size. Once we know how the first letters move, we automatically know the second letters because each pair is consecutive. This is a classic pattern used to test familiarity with letter positions and simple addition. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Translate first letters to numeric positions. H = 8, M = 13, R = 18. Differences: 8 → 13 is +5, 13 → 18 is +5. So we add 5 each time. Next first letter: 18 + 5 = 23, which is W. Step 2: Determine the second letter of the pair. Each pair uses consecutive letters, so after W the next letter is X. Thus, the missing pair is WX. Verification / Alternative check: Sequence of first letters: H, M, R, W corresponds to 8, 13, 18, 23. The differences are consistently +5. Second letters automatically follow as I, N, S, X (9, 14, 19, 24). This yields the smooth series HI, MN, RS, WX. No other option gives a pair whose first letter is exactly five positions after R. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • XY: X is six positions after R, not five, so this breaks the constant step pattern. • WY: W is correct as a first letter, but Y is not consecutive with W and thus fails the internal structure of pairs. • WE: E is far earlier in the alphabet than expected and does not follow from W as a consecutive second letter. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates notice only that the first letters are spaced out and guess based on rough distances instead of computing exact differences. Others forget that the letters of each pair themselves must be consecutive. Carefully checking both the step size for first letters and the internal relation within pairs avoids such errors. Final Answer: The pair that correctly completes the pattern is WX.

Question 8

Fill in the blanks in the letter series “A_C_E_B_DE” by choosing the set of letters that produces a clear repeated pattern.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question supplies a partially hidden sequence of letters with blanks. You must pick the option that, when inserted, generates a clean, recognizable pattern. The letters A, B, C, D, and E strongly suggest a standard alphabetical run being obscured by the gaps. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base form of the sequence: A_C_E_B_DE • Options to fill the blanks: CADB, DBAC, BDAC, BADC. • Letters from an option are placed in order into the blanks. • The completed sequence should ideally display a simple familiar pattern such as a full repeated alphabet segment. Concept / Approach: The presence of A, C, E, B, and D scattered through the base strongly hints at the classic sequence A, B, C, D, E being broken up. A natural idea is that the full series might be ABCDEABCDE or similar. We therefore substitute each option and look for this kind of repetition. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Substitute option (c) “BDAC”. Filling the blanks with B, D, A, C gives the series: ABCDEABCDE. Step 2: Recognize the pattern. The sequence ABCDEABCDE is a perfect repetition of the five letter block ABCDE. This is an extremely common and elegant pattern in reasoning questions. Step 3: Check that all letters appear in the correct order. First five letters: A, B, C, D, E. Next five letters: A, B, C, D, E again. There are no extra or misplaced letters, confirming the pattern. Verification / Alternative check: Test the other options. None of them produce ABCDEABCDE or any similar neat repetition. They result in sequences like ACCAEDBBDE or ADCBEABCDE, which contain duplicated or misordered letters. Only BDAC restores the exact alphabetic sequence twice, making it the unique and intended solution. Why Other Options Are Wrong: • CADB: This creates a sequence where the letters do not follow the precise alphabetical order and cannot be split cleanly into identical blocks. • DBAC: Leads to a partial completion of ABCDE but places letters in the wrong positions, causing local disorder. • BADC: Produces a string that looks somewhat structured but fails to give a full ABCDE repetition, leaving the overall pattern unclear. Common Pitfalls: Many learners stop after seeing something that looks roughly alphabetical without verifying whether every letter is in the correct sequence. Others do not check whether the pattern repeats exactly. For reasoning questions, strongly symmetric structures like ABCDEABCDE are much more likely than approximate patterns. Final Answer: The set of letters that correctly fills the blanks is BDAC, giving the complete sequence ABCDEABCDE.

Question 9

In a two letter alphabet series reasoning question, the terms HI, OP and WX are given. Which pair of letters should come before HI so that the overall series is completed correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem belongs to the alphabet series category in verbal reasoning, where each term is a pair of letters from the English alphabet. The series is written as ?, HI, OP, WX. Our task is to determine which two letter pair must appear at the beginning so that the complete sequence follows a consistent and logical pattern. Such questions test familiarity with alphabet positions and the ability to detect numeric jumps between letters when they are treated as ordered symbols rather than simple characters. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known pairs in order: ?, HI, OP, WX.• Each term consists of two consecutive letters: H I, O P and W X.• We treat the first letters as one sub series (H, O, W) and the second letters as a parallel sub series (I, P, X).• Alphabet positions are A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.• The missing pair must preserve a smooth numeric pattern in both sub series. Concept / Approach: The standard approach is to focus on the first letters of each pair and then the second letters separately. If the positions form a regular pattern, we can extend that pattern backwards to find the missing term. Because the pairs HI, OP and WX already show a clear stepwise increase in letter positions, we expect that the unknown pair will fit into the same numeric rule when the alphabet is treated cyclically from A to Z. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert first letters to numbers: H=8, O=15, W=23.Step 2: Compute the differences: 15 − 8 = 7, 23 − 15 = 8. So the first letters increase by +7 and then +8.Step 3: To find the term before H, we continue the pattern backwards with a difference of +6. So the unknown first letter should satisfy x + 6 = 8, giving x = 2 which corresponds to B.Step 4: Now consider the second letters: I=9, P=16, X=24.Step 5: Differences are 16 − 9 = 7 and 24 − 16 = 8, the same pattern of +7 and +8.Step 6: Going backwards with +6 again, the unknown second letter must satisfy y + 6 = 9, so y = 3 which corresponds to C.Step 7: Therefore, the missing pair at the beginning of the series is BC. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full series using the discovered rule for the first letters: B (2), H (8), O (15), W (23) with differences +6, +7, +8. Do the same for second letters: C (3), I (9), P (16), X (24) with the same differences. This symmetry in both positions confirms that the sequence is consistent and that BC is the only pair which can be placed before HI to keep the pattern intact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: AB would give first letter A=1, leading to a difference of 7 from A to H, which would break the intended +6, +7, +8 pattern. DE and EF similarly produce inconsistent gaps when compared to H and I. None of these alternatives allow us to construct a clean backward extension with a +6 step in both positions, so they cannot complete the series logically. Common Pitfalls: Many learners try to guess the answer by rough visual spacing or by assuming that every series always moves forward from the first term. Here the unknown term is at the beginning, so the pattern must be extended backward. Another common error is to check only the first letters while ignoring the second letters. A correct solution must satisfy the same numeric logic in both positions of each pair. Final Answer: BC

Question 10

In the alphabet pair series AC, EG, ?, MO, which of the following pairs of letters should replace the question mark to complete the pattern correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is based on an alphabet pair series. We are given the sequence AC, EG, ?, MO and asked to choose the missing pair that keeps the pattern consistent. In such problems the positions of letters in the English alphabet are treated like numbers, and the candidate must discover how each letter progresses across the terms. Recognising whether the pattern is a constant difference or a repeated jump is the main skill being tested. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known terms in order: AC, EG, ?, MO.• Each term consists of two letters.• The first letters form the sub series A, E, ?, M.• The second letters form the sub series C, G, ?, O.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26. Concept / Approach: The natural approach is to examine the first letters alone and then the second letters alone. If a constant increment is seen in both sub series, we can apply that increment to find the missing term. Because the visible jumps from A to E and from C to G already suggest equal steps in both positions, we expect that the same increment will apply again, leading us directly to the required pair of letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert first letters to numbers: A=1 and E=5.Step 2: The difference between 1 and 5 is +4.Step 3: We know the next first letter after the missing pair is M=13. To check consistency, assume that the pattern is +4 each time, so the series should be 1, 5, 9, 13.Step 4: Indeed, 9 + 4 = 13, so the missing first letter must be the letter at position 9, which is I.Step 5: Now consider the second letters: C=3 and G=7.Step 6: Here the difference is also +4, so the second letters should follow 3, 7, 11, 15.Step 7: Position 11 corresponds to K and position 15 corresponds to O. The known last second letter O confirms this pattern.Step 8: Therefore, the missing pair must be IK. Verification / Alternative check: Write the entire series in numeric form as pairs of positions: AC=(1,3), EG=(5,7), IK=(9,11), MO=(13,15). In both coordinate positions, the differences are consistently +4 from one term to the next. This double check across both letters ensures that IK is not an accidental fit but the unique solution that preserves the underlying rule. Why Other Options Are Wrong: IJ, IL and IM all share the correct first letter I but incorrect second letters. For IJ, J is position 10, giving a second letter sequence 3, 7, 10, 15, which breaks the +4, +4, +4 pattern. IL would give 3, 7, 12, 15 and IM would give 3, 7, 13, 15, both of which are inconsistent as well. Because the pattern is a strict +4 increment in both positions, only IK satisfies the requirement perfectly. Common Pitfalls: Some students identify the pattern for the first letters only and then choose any option with the correct starting letter, ignoring the second letters. Others may see that the second letters appear to be increasing but do not verify the exact increment. To avoid errors in alphabet series questions, always check the numeric pattern separately for each letter position in the pair or triplet. Final Answer: IK

Question 11

In the alphabet pair series ?, WX, AB, FG, which of the following pairs of letters should replace the question mark to complete the series logically?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question features a two letter alphabet series of the form ?, WX, AB, FG. We must determine which pair comes before WX so that the entire sequence shows a consistent pattern. The challenge lies in recognising that the alphabet can be treated cyclically from Z back to A, and that the jumps between the first letters and between the second letters follow a systematic progression rather than a random movement. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known terms: ?, WX, AB, FG.• Each term is a pair of consecutive letters: W X, A B and F G.• First letters are: ?, W, A, F.• Second letters are: ?, X, B, G.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26, and we allow wrap around after Z. Concept / Approach: To find the missing pair, we study the pattern of the first letters only, then the second letters only. Because the series wraps around the end of the alphabet, we interpret increments modulo 26. We are particularly interested in whether the steps between successive terms themselves follow a pattern, such as increasing by 1 each time, and we then extend that rule backward to reveal the unknown term at the beginning. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Work with first letters: W, A, F.Step 2: Convert to positions: W=23, A=1, F=6.Step 3: From W to A: 23 to 1 is an increase of 4 if we move forward cyclically (23 + 4 = 27, and 27 − 26 = 1).Step 4: From A to F: 1 to 6 is an increase of 5.Step 5: This suggests a pattern of increments +4, +5. To extend it backward, we assume the previous increment was +3.Step 6: Let the unknown first letter be x. Then x + 3 = 23, so x = 20, which is T.Step 7: Now consider second letters: X=24, B=2, G=7.Step 8: From X to B: 24 to 2 is again +4 forward cyclically (24 + 4 = 28, and 28 − 26 = 2).Step 9: From B to G: 2 to 7 is +5, matching the same pattern.Step 10: Using +3 as the preceding increment, let the unknown second letter be y such that y + 3 = 24. Then y = 21, which is U.Step 11: Therefore, the missing pair at the beginning of the series is TU. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full series including TU: TU, WX, AB, FG. In numeric terms, the first letters T(20), W(23), A(1), F(6) progress with increments +3, +4, +5 (with wrap around from Z to A). The same is true for the second letters U(21), X(24), B(2), G(7). This repeated pattern of increasing differences confirms that the logic is symmetric for both positions and that TU is the unique valid missing term. Why Other Options Are Wrong: XW, PQ and UV do not create the required +3, +4, +5 progression. For example, if we choose PQ, the jump from P to W does not match the pattern seen from W to A and A to F. UV also leads to mismatched increments when compared with the known terms. Only TU aligns perfectly with the evolving step sizes in both components of the pair series. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to treat the alphabet as non cyclic and therefore miscalculate differences across the Z to A boundary. Another is to look only at the first letters or only at the second letters but not both, which can lead to a misleading partial pattern. For robust solutions, always check the entire series in both positions and account for circular movement when letters pass Z and restart at A. Final Answer: TU

Question 12

In the alphabet series IB, QD, XH, DP, which pair of letters should come next so that the same pattern continues throughout the series?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents a slightly more complex alphabet pair series: IB, QD, XH, DP, ?. The task is to determine which pair of letters should come next so that the underlying pattern is maintained. Each pair represents two interconnected sub series evolving according to different rules. Such questions test a deeper level of pattern recognition, including the ability to handle varying increments and cyclic movement through the alphabet in both forward and backward directions. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known pairs: IB, QD, XH, DP, ?.• First letters form the series: I, Q, X, D, ?.• Second letters form the series: B, D, H, P, ?.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26, with wrap around when needed.• We expect regular numeric rules in both first and second letter sequences. Concept / Approach: We treat each letter as a number and compute the differences between successive first letters, then between successive second letters. The first letters often follow one arithmetic pattern, and the second letters another. When the differences themselves decrease or increase in a regular way, this indicates that the pattern is based on changing steps, not just a fixed increment. We then extend those step patterns to predict the next letter in each sub series. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert first letters to positions: I=9, Q=17, X=24, D=4.Step 2: Compute the forward cyclic differences:• 9 to 17: +8• 17 to 24: +7• 24 to 4: +6 (since 24 + 6 = 30 and 30 − 26 = 4)Step 3: The pattern for first letters uses step sizes that decrease by 1 each time: +8, +7, +6. The next step should be +5.Step 4: Apply +5 to D (4): 4 + 5 = 9, which corresponds to I. So the next first letter is I.Step 5: Now examine the second letters: B=2, D=4, H=8, P=16.Step 6: Compute the differences:• 2 to 4: +2• 4 to 8: +4• 8 to 16: +8Step 7: Here the steps double each time: +2, +4, +8. The next step should be +16.Step 8: Apply +16 to P (16): 16 + 16 = 32, and 32 − 26 = 6, which corresponds to F.Step 9: Therefore, the next pair in the series is IF. Verification / Alternative check: We can summarise the pattern for first letters as a sequence of step sizes decreasing from +8 to +5, and for second letters as step sizes increasing by powers of two. Specifically, the first letters follow I (9) → Q (17) → X (24) → D (4) → I (9) with steps +8, +7, +6, +5 cyclically. The second letters follow B (2) → D (4) → H (8) → P (16) → F (6) with steps +2, +4, +8, +16 cyclically. This dual pattern is internally consistent and explains each term of the series, validating IF as the correct continuation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: KL, KI and GH do not match both patterns simultaneously. For example, choosing KI would provide the correct first letter I but an incorrect second letter I=9, which is not obtained by adding +16 to P=16. Similarly, GH and KL do not arise from the systematic step changes found in the first and second letter sub series. Since the numeric rules are strict and clear, only IF satisfies both conditions at the same time. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates identify only one of the two patterns, for example the decreasing steps in the first letters, and then guess a second letter that seems visually plausible. Others may forget to treat the alphabet cyclically and miscalculate differences when letters move past Z. To avoid mistakes, always compute all differences carefully, check for simple numeric sequences in the step sizes and ensure that the chosen answer fits every identified rule for both letters in the pair. Final Answer: IF

Question 13

In the letter pattern MN_NOM_OPM_OP_, which one set of letters, when inserted sequentially in the blanks, will correctly complete the series?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is about completing a letter series where only three letters, M, N and O, plus P and Q appear repeatedly. The given pattern is written as MN_NOM_OPM_OP_, and we must choose a four letter sequence that, when filled into the blanks in order, produces a regular and meaningful structure. These problems typically hide overlapping sequences or repeated blocks, and the candidate's role is to reveal that hidden structure by trying each option systematically and checking for consistency. Given Data / Assumptions: • Incomplete pattern: M N _ N O M _ O P M _ O P _.• Four blanks must be filled using one of the given options.• Options supply letter sequences: MNNQ, MNOQ, MNPQ and MNOO.• The letters M, N, O, P and Q are expected to form a smooth overlapping series like MNO, NOP, OPQ and so on. Concept / Approach: Instead of guessing based on appearance, the best approach is to fill in each option and then examine the full string formed. We look for regular overlapping sequences where a block of letters such as MNO, NOP or OPQ appears again and again. The correct answer should produce a clean repetition of such blocks or at least a clear, almost mechanical sliding pattern, rather than an irregular jumble of letters. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Fill the blanks with option a, MNNQ.Step 2: Insert the letters sequentially into the four blanks to get: M N M N O M N O P M N O P Q.Step 3: Now observe the pattern of overlapping triplets: MNM, N M N, M N O, N O M, M N O, N O P, O P M, P M N, M N O, N O P, O P Q.Step 4: Within this, repeated sliding segments MNO, NOP and OPQ appear regularly, indicating a meaningful and systematic structure.Step 5: Try alternative options briefly. For example, with MNOQ, the completed string includes awkward fragments like MOO and OOP that break the smooth sequence of consecutive letters.Step 6: Option MNPQ and MNOO similarly generate irregular letter combinations that do not produce a neat overlapping progression through M, N, O, P and Q.Step 7: Therefore, the only option that creates a strongly patterned series is MNNQ. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to see the regularity is to focus on the central region: after inserting MNNQ, we can see the subsequences M N O, N O P and O P Q appearing in order. These subsequences are constructed from consecutive letters in the alphabet and are a hallmark of well-designed verbal reasoning questions. The fact that they arise naturally from MNNQ and not from the other options confirms that this completion aligns best with the intended pattern of overlapping alphabetical progressions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option MNOQ produces stretches such as M O O and O O P which disrupt the flow of consecutive letters and create duplicated vowels in the centre. MNPQ introduces P too early and breaks the neat slide from M N O to N O P to O P Q. MNOO similarly distorts the sequence with repeated O letters in positions where we expect a clean alphabetic step. Because reasoning-series questions typically favour elegant and symmetric structures, these irregular sequences are much less plausible than the clear structure generated by MNNQ. Common Pitfalls: A frequent mistake is to consider only the first or last few letters and ignore the full pattern across the entire string. Another is to choose an option simply because it contains a familiar sequence such as MNO without checking the neighbouring overlaps. To solve such problems reliably, candidates should always build the complete series for each promising option and then look carefully for repeated, regular blocks that span the length of the pattern. Final Answer: MNNQ

Question 14

In the alphabet series ABC, BDF, DHL, which of the following three letter groups should come next to continue the same pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This series question looks more challenging than a typical alphabet progression. The terms are ABC, BDF, DHL and ?, and we must select the next three letter group from the options. At first glance, the groups do not appear to be simply consecutive letters. Instead, the pattern is hidden in how each column of letters (first, second and third positions) advances across the series. This type of problem tests a higher level of abstraction in sequence recognition, often involving changing step sizes rather than fixed increments. Given Data / Assumptions: • Known terms: ABC, BDF, DHL, ?.• First letters form the series: A, B, D, ?.• Second letters form: B, D, H, ?.• Third letters form: C, F, L, ?.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26. Concept / Approach: The key idea is to study how each column of letters changes from term to term. In many advanced alphabet questions, the differences between letters themselves follow arithmetic patterns. Here, each column has its own increasing difference. When we compute these differences carefully, we see that the increments in each column double at each step, creating a pattern that we can extrapolate to find the next term. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Look at the first letters: A, B, D.Positions are A=1, B=2, D=4.Step 2: Differences: B − A = 1 and D − B = 2. The increments are 1 and then 2, suggesting that the next increment should be 4 (doubling each time: 1, 2, 4, 8).Step 3: The next first letter position is 4 + 4 = 8, which is H.Step 4: Now consider second letters: B, D, H.Positions: B=2, D=4, H=8.Step 5: Differences: 4 − 2 = 2, 8 − 4 = 4, again doubling. The next increment should be 8.Step 6: Next second letter position: 8 + 8 = 16, which corresponds to P.Step 7: Third letters: C, F, L.Positions: C=3, F=6, L=12.Step 8: Differences: 6 − 3 = 3 and 12 − 6 = 6, doubling once again. The next increment should be 12.Step 9: Next third letter position: 12 + 12 = 24, which is X.Step 10: Therefore, the next triplet in the series is HPX. Verification / Alternative check: If we summarise the pattern, the first column uses increments 1, 2, 4, 8, the second column uses 2, 4, 8 and the third column uses 3, 6, 12. This creates a consistent theme of doubling differences across columns. Substituting HPX back into the series gives ABC, BDF, DHL, HPX, which is compatible with all the identified rules. No other option aligns with this three dimensional structure across all columns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: RST and CDE look like simple sequences of consecutive letters but do not respect the specific numeric jumps in each column. For example, switching from third letters L to T in RST does not maintain a difference of 12. EGF also fails to continue the doubling pattern in any column. Only HPX has H as the first letter, P as the second and X as the third in a way that preserves the increasing increments of 1, 2, 4, 8 for first letters, 2, 4, 8, 16 for second letters and 3, 6, 12, 24 for third letters. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to assume that all three letters in each term must be consecutive or that the series must be a simple shift of ABC forward. This leads to favouring options like CDE or RST. Another pitfall is to examine only one column while ignoring the others, producing an incomplete pattern. In advanced alphabet series, each position often has its own rule, and all three rules must be satisfied simultaneously for an option to be correct. Final Answer: HPX

Question 15

In the alphabet pair series IJ, PQ, XY, which pair of letters should appear next so that the pattern is continued correctly?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents an alphabet pair series: IJ, PQ, XY, ?. The objective is to determine which two letter combination logically follows these given terms. Although there are only three visible terms before the missing one, a careful analysis of the numeric positions of each letter reveals a clear and symmetrical progression. This type of question strengthens understanding of alphabet positions and how increments can increase over time in a structured way. Given Data / Assumptions: • The series is: IJ, PQ, XY, ?.• Each term is a pair of consecutive letters: I J, P Q and X Y.• We will examine the first letters separately from the second letters.• Alphabet positions are A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26, with wrap around available if needed. Concept / Approach: The main idea is to look at the numerical positions of the first letters (I, P, X) and see how they change from one term to the next, then repeat the same for the second letters (J, Q, Y). If the differences between the positions follow a pattern such as +7, +8, +9, we can use that pattern to determine where the missing term belongs. Because each pair consists of consecutive letters, once we know the correct first letter of the missing pair, its second letter automatically follows as the very next letter in the alphabet. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Convert the first letters to numbers: I=9, P=16, X=24.Step 2: Compute their differences: 16 − 9 = 7 and 24 − 16 = 8.Step 3: We see that the increment between first letters is increasing by 1: first +7, then +8. The next increment in this sequence should be +9.Step 4: To extend backwards or forwards, it is often easier to recognise that we might be finishing a cycle. Here, instead of placing the new term after XY, we can interpret the pattern as cyclic and attempt to find the pair that would be reached by moving +9 from X or by continuing the pattern in reverse order.Step 5: Apply the pattern to the second letters as well: J=10, Q=17, Y=25. Differences are 17 − 10 = 7 and 25 − 17 = 8, again showing +7, then +8. The next increment would be +9.Step 6: Moving forward by +9 from X (24) gives 24 + 9 = 33, and 33 − 26 = 7 which is G. Moving forward by +9 from Y (25) gives 25 + 9 = 34, and 34 − 26 = 8 which is H.Step 7: Therefore, the pair that continues the same +7, +8, +9 stepping pattern is GH. Verification / Alternative check: We can examine the entire cycle if we write the series as GH, IJ, PQ, XY when considered modulo 26. In this arrangement, the first letters G (7), I (9), P (16), X (24) follow differences +2, +7, +8, and the second letters H (8), J (10), Q (17), Y (25) follow a similar structure. Within this cyclic framework, the pair GH aligns with the evolving jump sizes we observed, confirming that the hidden rule is satisfied by placing GH as the next term after XY when the cycle is viewed as wrapping around the alphabet. Why Other Options Are Wrong: DE, OP and WV do not reflect the increasing step pattern. For example, if we choose WV, the first letters would go from X (24) to W (23), which is actually a backward step rather than a forward increment. DE and OP also break the consistent growth in the positions of the letters and do not match the simultaneous behaviour of both first and second letters in the series. Hence, they cannot fairly continue the pattern. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes attempt to fit pairs based on rough visual symmetry, such as assuming that if we see PQ and XY then any pair from earlier in the alphabet might fit as a continuation. Another mistake is to ignore the numeric jump sizes and only consider the fact that each term uses consecutive letters. For accurate solutions in such problems, it is essential to calculate the exact numeric differences and confirm that the same rule applies to both letters of each pair. Final Answer: GH

Question 16

In the series HK, ?, PQ, TT, XW, which pair of letters should replace the question mark so that the pattern in both positions is preserved?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem shows a series of alphabet pairs: HK, ?, PQ, TT, XW. We need to identify the missing pair in the second position so that the pattern in the first and second letters remains consistent throughout the series. Each letter pair is drawn from the English alphabet, and the pattern is hidden in the numeric positions and the step sizes between successive letters. This type of question helps train candidates to detect separate series within the first and second positions of each pair. Given Data / Assumptions: • Series: HK, ?, PQ, TT, XW.• First letters in order: H, ?, P, T, X.• Second letters in order: K, ?, Q, T, W.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26.• We assume a simple numeric pattern for each of the two sub series. Concept / Approach: The strategy is to analyse the first letters as a numeric series, then do the same for the second letters. Often, each sub series follows a fixed difference, such as +4 or +3, which is easier to see when the letters are converted into numbers. Once the pattern is known for both positions, we can deduce the missing letters that make the series consistent from start to end. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters: H, ?, P, T, X.Step 2: Convert to positions where possible: H=8, P=16, T=20, X=24.Step 3: Examine differences between the known terms: 16 − 8 = 8 and 20 − 16 = 4, 24 − 20 = 4.Step 4: Noticing that P, T and X are evenly spaced by +4 (16 → 20 → 24), we can suspect a simpler pattern: ? might be 12 so that the first letters progress as 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, which all differ by +4.Step 5: Position 12 corresponds to L, so the missing first letter should be L.Step 6: Now analyse second letters: K, ?, Q, T, W.Step 7: Convert known letters: K=11, Q=17, T=20, W=23.Step 8: Differences: 17 − 11 = 6, 20 − 17 = 3, 23 − 20 = 3.Step 9: The last three form 11, 14, 17, 20, 23 if we assume the missing second letter is 14, with constant +3 from 11 to 14 to 17 to 20 to 23.Step 10: Position 14 is N, so the missing second letter is N.Step 11: Therefore, the missing pair is LN. Verification / Alternative check: Write the full series with the discovered term: HK, LN, PQ, TT, XW. The first letters H(8), L(12), P(16), T(20), X(24) clearly form an arithmetic progression with common difference +4. The second letters K(11), N(14), Q(17), T(20), W(23) form an arithmetic progression with common difference +3. This dual arithmetic structure confirms that the series is consistent and that LN is the only pair that fits both patterns at the same time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: NO, LK and NM all fail one or both of the arithmetic progressions. For example, if we choose NO (N=14, O=15), the first letters become H(8), N(14), P(16), T(20), X(24), where the difference 14 − 8 = 6 breaks the +4 rule. Similarly, second letters would not maintain the +3 pattern. LK and NM introduce mismatches either in the first letter series or in the second letter series, so they cannot be accepted as correct completions of the pattern. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may only check whether the missing pair is somewhere numerically between HK and PQ and then guess without verifying the exact arithmetic steps. Others focus solely on first letters and overlook the fact that second letters usually follow their own consistent pattern. Reliable solutions require checking that the same difference holds throughout the entire sequence for both positions, rather than relying on approximate spacing or visual intuition. Final Answer: LN

Question 17

In the mixed case alphabet series KlMnO, qRsTu, WxYzA, cDeFg, which of the following terms should come next to maintain both the letter order and the upper and lower case pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question presents a more visually complex alphabet series that mixes upper case and lower case letters: KlMnO, qRsTu, WxYzA, cDeFg, ?. We have to decide which option continues both the sequence of letters and the pattern of capitalisation. These questions test not only recognition of alphabetic progressions but also attention to formatting details such as letter case, which is especially important in modern reasoning tests where visual patterns are often embedded in text. Given Data / Assumptions: • Given terms: KlMnO, qRsTu, WxYzA, cDeFg, ?.• Each term has exactly 5 letters.• Ignoring case, the letters in each term are consecutive segments of the alphabet.• There is a clear alternating pattern in the use of upper and lower case letters.• We must preserve both the sequence of letters and the recurring case pattern. Concept / Approach: We handle the problem in two layers. First, we determine the underlying sequence of letters as if everything were in the same case. This reveals how the starting letter of each 5 letter block moves through the alphabet. Second, we analyse the capitalisation pattern across the positions (for example, upper lower upper lower upper) and see how that pattern alternates between successive terms. The correct answer must satisfy both the letter sequence and the case pattern simultaneously. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Strip case and examine letter groups: KlMnO → KLMNO, qRsTu → QRSTU, WxYzA → WXYZA, cDeFg → CDEFG.Step 2: Observe that each group is a consecutive run of five letters.Step 3: Find the starting letters: K, Q, W, C.Step 4: Convert to positions: K=11, Q=17, W=23, C=3.Step 5: Differences (forward, with wrap around): 11 → 17: +6, 17 → 23: +6, 23 → 3: +6 (since 23 + 6 = 29 and 29 − 26 = 3).Step 6: Thus the starting letter advances by +6 each time. The next start after C (3) is 3 + 6 = 9, which is I.Step 7: So the next raw letter block should be IJKLM.Step 8: Now examine the case pattern. For KlMnO, positions 1 to 5 have cases: upper, lower, upper, lower, upper (U l U l U).Step 9: For qRsTu, the case pattern is lower, upper, lower, upper, lower (l U l U l).Step 10: For WxYzA, pattern is again U l U l U, and for cDeFg it is l U l U l.Step 11: Thus the pattern alternates between U l U l U and l U l U l. The next term should follow U l U l U again.Step 12: Apply this pattern to IJKLM: I (upper), j (lower), K (upper), l (lower), M (upper), giving IjKlM. Verification / Alternative check: Compare each option with the expected letters and case pattern. Only IjKlM uses exactly the letters I, J, K, L, M in the right order and with the case pattern upper, lower, upper, lower, upper. Options iJkLm and hIjKl either start from the wrong letter or reverse the upper and lower case assignments. HiJkL has the wrong starting letter entirely. Therefore, IjKlM is the only choice that satisfies both the alphabetic progression and the alternation of case patterns seen in the series. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option a, iJkLm, starts with a lower case i, which does not match the expected upper case at the first position for this term in the alternation. Option b, HiJkL, uses H as the starting letter rather than I, breaking the +6 rule. Option d, hIjKl, both starts from the wrong letter and applies an inconsistent case pattern. None of these options produce the clean combination of IJKLM with U l U l U capitalisation that the series demands. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates focus solely on the letters and ignore case, which leads them to choose an option that may have the right letters but the wrong capitalisation. Others may be distracted by the changing case and miss the simple underlying pattern in the starting letters. The best practice in such mixed format series is to separate the problem into letter sequence and case sequence, solve each independently, and then find the option that satisfies both conditions at once. Final Answer: IjKlM

Question 18

In the pattern XXXXXO, XXXXOX, XXXOXX, XXOXXX, XOXXXX, which of the following options should come next to correctly continue the shifting position of the letter O?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question involves a simple visual pattern using only the letters X and O. The series is XXXXXO, XXXXOX, XXXOXX, XXOXXX, XOXXXX, ?. The challenge is to determine the next term by tracking where the single O appears in each term. This kind of question checks a candidate's ability to follow positional changes of a character in a fixed length string, which is a common skill in non verbal and alphabet based reasoning questions. Given Data / Assumptions: • Each term in the series has six characters.• There is exactly one O and five X characters in each term.• The position of O changes from term to term in a systematic way.• The known terms are: XXXXXO, XXXXOX, XXXOXX, XXOXXX, XOXXXX. Concept / Approach: The primary idea is to index positions from left to right and note the location of the letter O in each term. Once we have the positions as numbers, we can examine how these positions change between consecutive terms. Given that there is only a single O, it is reasonable to expect that it moves steadily across the string in some direction. By identifying the direction and the magnitude of each movement, we can predict its next position and hence the form of the next string. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Label positions from left to right as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.Step 2: Determine the position of O in each term:• XXXXXO → O at position 6.• XXXXOX → O at position 5.• XXXOXX → O at position 4.• XXOXXX → O at position 3.• XOXXXX → O at position 2.Step 3: We can see that O is moving one step to the left in each successive term.Step 4: After position 2, the next position for O in this leftward movement must be position 1.Step 5: A string with O at position 1 and X in the remaining positions 2 to 6 is OXXXXX. Verification / Alternative check: We can quickly check that the pattern is perfectly regular: starting from position 6, O moves to positions 5, 4, 3, 2 and then 1, without any jumps or reversals. The total number of characters and the count of X letters remain constant throughout. Among the options, OXXXXX is the only one that has O in the first position and all remaining characters as X, exactly matching the observed movement of O. Why Other Options Are Wrong: OXXXXO contains two O characters, which breaks the rule that every term has exactly one O. OXXXOX also has more than one O and places them in positions that do not align with the observed single step leftward movement. XXXXXX does not contain any O at all and thus does not continue the pattern of a single O sliding across the row of X letters. Therefore, none of these alternatives can be considered a valid next term in the series. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may miscount positions or misread the string, thinking the O moves in a more complicated pattern. Others may overlook the fact that the number of O characters remains constant at one and choose a string with two O letters because it visually resembles a previous term. A careful, position by position check of all given strings helps avoid these mistakes and quickly confirms that OXXXXX is the only logical continuation. Final Answer: OXXXXX

Question 19

From the given options, which word cannot be formed using the letters of the word PROXIMAL, assuming each letter can be used only as many times as it appears there?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a classic word formation question. We are given the base word PROXIMAL and asked which of the listed words cannot be formed using its letters. The important condition, which is standard in such reasoning problems, is that each letter of the base word can be used at most as many times as it appears in the base word. The candidate must therefore carefully examine the letters in PROXIMAL and compare them with each option, checking for missing letters or excess usage of any letter. Given Data / Assumptions: • Base word: PROXIMAL.• Letters of PROXIMAL are: P, R, O, X, I, M, A, L.• Each of these letters appears exactly once in PROXIMAL.• Options: MOLAR, AXIOM, REALM, APRIL.• A word can be formed only if every letter in it exists in the base word with at least the same frequency. Concept / Approach: The strategy is straightforward. First, list the available letters from the base word, taking note that there is no repetition. Then, for each option, check letter by letter whether all letters are present in PROXIMAL and whether no letter appears more than once in the option. If any required letter is completely absent from PROXIMAL, that word cannot be formed. This approach is systematic and avoids guesswork. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Note down the letters in PROXIMAL: {P, R, O, X, I, M, A, L}.Step 2: Examine option MOLAR: letters M, O, L, A, R.• M is in PROXIMAL.• O is in PROXIMAL.• L is in PROXIMAL.• A is in PROXIMAL.• R is in PROXIMAL.All letters are available and none is repeated more than once, so MOLAR can be formed.Step 3: Examine option AXIOM: letters A, X, I, O, M.• A, X, I, O and M all appear in PROXIMAL.Thus AXIOM can also be formed.Step 4: Examine option REALM: letters R, E, A, L, M.• R, A, L and M are present in PROXIMAL.• The letter E, however, does not appear anywhere in PROXIMAL.Therefore REALM cannot be formed from PROXIMAL because it requires the letter E.Step 5: Examine option APRIL: letters A, P, R, I, L.• A, P, R, I and L are all present in PROXIMAL.So APRIL can be formed. Verification / Alternative check: We can cross verify by writing PROXIMAL in sorted form as AILMOPRX and checking each option in sorted form. REALM becomes AELMR. Direct comparison shows that E is present in REALM but not in PROXIMAL. For the other options, every letter in their sorted form appears in AILMOPRX. Because letter availability is the only condition here and there are no repeated letters in the base word, this verification confirms that REALM is the only impossible word among the choices. Why Other Options Are Wrong: In this context, "wrong" means that the options can be formed and hence do not answer the question of which word cannot be formed. MOLAR uses exactly M, O, L, A and R, all of which are present in PROXIMAL. AXIOM requires A, X, I, O and M, again all present. APRIL uses A, P, R, I and L, all directly available from PROXIMAL. Since these words do not require any letter outside the set in PROXIMAL, they are all formable and therefore not the correct choice for this question. Common Pitfalls: One common mistake is to get distracted by the presence of unusual letters like X and assume that the hardest looking option must be the one that cannot be formed. Another is to forget that PROXIMAL contains no repeated letters, and therefore any option requiring a letter twice would also be impossible. In this particular case, the trap is subtler because all options use each letter at most once, and only close inspection reveals that REALM demands an E that does not exist in PROXIMAL. Carefully listing the available letters and checking each option letter by letter is the safest method. Final Answer: REALM

Question 20

In the alphabet series XPK, VNJ, TLH, RJE, which of the following three letter groups should appear next to continue the pattern?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question features a three letter alphabet series: XPK, VNJ, TLH, RJE, ?. We are asked to identify the next group of three letters that continues the pattern. In such problems, each position (first, second and third letter) often follows its own arithmetic rule. Simultaneously handling three separate sub series and ensuring that one option satisfies all of them tests a candidate's ability to manage multiple constraints in alphabet based reasoning. Given Data / Assumptions: • Terms in the series: XPK, VNJ, TLH, RJE, ?.• First letters: X, V, T, R, ?.• Second letters: P, N, L, J, ?.• Third letters: K, J, H, E, ?.• Alphabet positions: A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26, with cyclic movement if needed. Concept / Approach: We treat the first, second and third letters as three independent number series and look for patterns in their differences. In many three letter series, the first and second letters may decrease steadily, while the third letter may follow a separate sequence of increasing or decreasing steps. When the differences between successive letters form recognizable sequences, such as constant steps or step sizes that increase by one each time, we can extrapolate those sequences to find the next term. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: First letters: X, V, T, R.Positions: X=24, V=22, T=20, R=18.Step 2: Differences: 24 → 22: −2, 22 → 20: −2, 20 → 18: −2.Step 3: The first letters decrease by 2 each time, so the next first letter is 18 − 2 = 16, which is P.Step 4: Second letters: P, N, L, J.Positions: P=16, N=14, L=12, J=10.Step 5: Differences: 16 → 14: −2, 14 → 12: −2, 12 → 10: −2.Step 6: Thus the second letters also decrease by 2 each time, so the next second letter is 10 − 2 = 8, which is H.Step 7: Third letters: K, J, H, E.Positions: K=11, J=10, H=8, E=5.Step 8: Differences: 11 → 10: −1, 10 → 8: −2, 8 → 5: −3.Step 9: Here the negative step sizes increase in magnitude by 1 each time: −1, −2, −3. The next step should be −4.Step 10: Apply −4 to 5 (E): 5 − 4 = 1, which is A.Step 11: Therefore, the next term must be PHA. Verification / Alternative check: We can summarise the complete numeric pattern as follows: first letters 24, 22, 20, 18, 16 (all −2), second letters 16, 14, 12, 10, 8 (all −2), and third letters 11, 10, 8, 5, 1 (−1, −2, −3, −4). Substituting PHA into the series gives XPK, VNJ, TLH, RJE, PHA, which satisfies the decreasing by 2 pattern in the first two positions and the steadily increasing negative difference in the third position. No other option matches all three sub series at once. Why Other Options Are Wrong: PHB differs from PHA only in the last letter, but B corresponds to position 2, which would require a −3 step from 5, repeating the previous difference instead of moving to −4. OIA and OIB have different first and second letters and do not maintain the −2 decrement pattern across the first two columns. As a result, these options disrupt at least one of the three numeric sequences and cannot be accepted as the correct continuation of the series. Common Pitfalls: A typical mistake is to recognise the constant −2 pattern in the first two letters and then guess an option whose first two letters fit, without fully checking the third letter sequence. Another pitfall is to overlook that the third letter differences themselves are forming a separate series of −1, −2, −3, −4. The safest way to avoid such errors is always to convert all letters to numeric positions, compute differences carefully for each column and ensure that the chosen option satisfies every identified pattern without exception. Final Answer: PHA

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