Alphabet pairs – continue the cross-moving sequence Sequence: AZ, CX, FU, ?

Introduction / Context:
This pattern moves two letters towards the center of the alphabet from opposite ends. The first letter advances forward with increasing steps, while the second letter retreats backward with the same step sizes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Terms: AZ, CX, FU, ?
• Alphabet mapping A=1, …, Z=26.

Concept / Approach:
Track the first and second positions separately. Look for step sizes 2, 3, 4, … applied with opposite directions (+ for the first letter, − for the second letter).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Confirm step-size ladder is symmetric and increasing: ±2, ±3, ±4 … The resulting pair JQ is consistent with this design.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• IR or IV: second letters R (18) or V (22) would not be 21 − 4 = 17 as required.
• KP: would require +5 and −5 already, but we are at the ±4 step next.
• KR: breaks both streams' step sizes.

Common Pitfalls:
Applying the same direction to both letters; missing that the step size increases by exactly 1 each move.

Final Answer:
JQ