Fill the blanks to complete the descending-by-2 alphabet letter series (English uppercase): Z, X, __, T, R, __, N, L, J, __, F, D, __. Choose the sequence that correctly fills all four blanks.
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AV P H B
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BV R H B
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CU P J B
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DU P J D
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: V P H B
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Letter-series problems often use fixed alphabetic steps. Here, the visible letters suggest a steady backward movement through the alphabet.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Series shown with four blanks: Z, X, __, T, R, __, N, L, J, __, F, D, __.
- We work in English uppercase letters with standard A=1 to Z=26 ordering.
Concept / Approach:Compute step sizes between consecutive visible letters. From Z to X is −2; from T to R is −2; from N to L is −2; from L to J is −2; from F to D is −2. This strongly indicates a uniform −2 step throughout.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Z (26) → X (24): −2.Blank after X must be 22 → V (24−2 = 22).… → T (20) → R (18): already −2; preceding blank should be 20+2 = 22 → V was correct; next blank after R is 16 → P.Continuing: N (14) → L (12) → J (10) → next blank 8 → H.Then F (6) → D (4) → final blank 2 → B.Verification / Alternative check:Writing the full completed run: Z, X, V, T, R, P, N, L, J, H, F, D, B — every step is a −2 jump.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Any set containing letters not spaced by −2 at the corresponding positions breaks the uniform step rule. Only “V P H B” preserves −2 at each gap.
Common Pitfalls:Mixing −1 and −2 steps or alternating steps. Always test several visible gaps to confirm one consistent rule.
Final Answer:V P H B.