Three-letter alphabet pattern – find the missing term Sequence: AYD, BVF, DRH, ?, KGL

Introduction / Context:
Here each of the three character positions evolves according to its own rule. The first and second positions change with steadily increasing steps (including a negative direction for the second), and the third position follows a simple constant step.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Terms: AYD, BVF, DRH, ?, KGL.
• Alphabet indices A=1 to Z=26; wrap is not required here.

Concept / Approach:
Decompose into columns (first, second, third letters) and analyze each sub-sequence. Look for +1, +2, +3 trends and for negative steps in the middle column.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check forward from GMJ: +4 on first gives K, −6 on second gives G, +2 on third gives L. This exactly reconstructs KGL.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• FMI, GLJ, HLK, HMK each breaks at least one column's required step-size progression (+1, +2, +3, +4 for first; −3, −4, −5, −6 for second; +2 constant for third).

Common Pitfalls:
Trying to move whole triplets together; overlooking that each position forms its own arithmetic progression (with different signs).

Final Answer:
GMJ