A series is given with one term missing. Select the correct alternative from the given ones that will complete the series. MHDM, MYLC, MPTS, MGBI, ?
MXJY
Solving Letter Series Pattern Problems
This question asks us to find the missing term in the given letter series: MHDM, MYLC, MPTS, MGBI, ?. To solve this, we need to identify the pattern governing the change in letters from one term to the next.
Each term in the series starts with the letter 'M'. This letter remains constant throughout the series. Therefore, the pattern must be in the sequence of the second, third, and fourth letters of each term.
Let's analyze the letters at each position after 'M' across the series:
- Second letters: H, Y, P, G
- Third letters: D, L, T, B
- Fourth letters: M, C, S, I
To find the pattern, we can convert these letters to their corresponding positions in the English alphabet (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26).
Let's examine the pattern for each position:
Pattern for the Second Letter
| Term | Second Letter | Position | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHDM | H | \(8\) | - |
| MYLC | Y | \(25\) | \(8 - 9 = -1 \equiv 25 \pmod{26}\) |
| MPTS | P | \(16\) | \(25 - 9 = 16\) |
| MGBI | G | \(7\) | \(16 - 9 = 7\) |
| ? | Next Letter | ? | \(7 - 9 = -2 \equiv 24 \pmod{26}\) |
The pattern for the second letter is subtracting 9 from the position of the previous letter, wrapping around the alphabet (A follows Z). The next second letter will be the 24th letter, which is X.
Pattern for the Third Letter
| Term | Third Letter | Position | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHDM | D | \(4\) | - |
| MYLC | L | \(12\) | \(4 + 8 = 12\) |
| MPTS | T | \(20\) | \(12 + 8 = 20\) |
| MGBI | B | \(2\) | \(20 + 8 = 28 \equiv 2 \pmod{26}\) |
| ? | Next Letter | ? | \(2 + 8 = 10\) |
The pattern for the third letter is adding 8 to the position of the previous letter, wrapping around the alphabet. The next third letter will be the 10th letter, which is J.
Pattern for the Fourth Letter
| Term | Fourth Letter | Position | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| MHDM | M | \(13\) | - |
| MYLC | C | \(3\) | \(13 - 10 = 3\) |
| MPTS | S | \(19\) | \(3 - 10 = -7 \equiv 19 \pmod{26}\) |
| MGBI | I | \(9\) | \(19 - 10 = 9\) |
| ? | Next Letter | ? | \(9 - 10 = -1 \equiv 25 \pmod{26}\) |
The pattern for the fourth letter is subtracting 10 from the position of the previous letter, wrapping around the alphabet. The next fourth letter will be the 25th letter, which is Y.
Constructing the Missing Term
The missing term starts with M, followed by the next second letter (X), the next third letter (J), and the next fourth letter (Y).
Therefore, the missing term is MXJY.
Revision Table: Letter Series Analysis
| Position | Letters in Series | Pattern | Next Letter Position | Next Letter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | M, M, M, M | Constant | - | M |
| 2nd | H, Y, P, G | Position - 9 (mod 26) | \(24\) | X |
| 3rd | D, L, T, B | Position + 8 (mod 26) | \(10\) | J |
| 4th | M, C, S, I | Position - 10 (mod 26) | \(25\) | Y |
Combining these results, the next term in the series is MXJY.
Additional Information: Understanding Letter Series Questions
Letter series questions are common in logical reasoning and aptitude tests. They test your ability to identify patterns in sequences of letters.
Common patterns include:
- Adding or subtracting a constant number to the letter position.
- Adding or subtracting a varying number (e.g., +1, +2, +3...).
- Alternating patterns (e.g., add 2, subtract 1, add 2, subtract 1...).
- Patterns involving alphabetical order (e.g., skipping letters).
- Combinations of different patterns for different positions within a term.
- Reversing alphabetical order or other complex arrangements.
To solve these problems effectively, it is helpful to know the alphabetical position of each letter and practice recognizing different types of patterns.
Important Questions from Alphabet Series
Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.
KMTC, EVOM, OQXG, IZSQ, ?
Select the set of letters that when sequentially placed in the blanks of the given letter series will complete the series.
k_lmml_mk_mmk_lkkl_mSelect the letter will replace the question mark (?) in the following series.
C, B, B, C, Z, E, W, H, S, ?, NWhich letter will replace the question mark (?) in the following letter series?
E, J, N, Q, S, ?
Select the combination of letters that when sequentially placed in the blanks of the given series will complete the series.
C _ B N _ _ V_ _ H C _ B _ H
