Understanding the Alphabetical Analogy Pattern

This question asks us to complete an analogy based on alphabetical sequences. The structure is similar to mathematical ratios: A is to B as C is to D. Here, we have PQR related to LMN in the same way that GHI is related to the missing sequence.

Analysing the First Pair: PQR to LMN

Let's examine the relationship between the letters in the first pair, PQR and LMN.

• We find the position of each letter in the English alphabet:
  • P is the 16^th letter.
  • Q is the 17^th letter.
  • R is the 18^th letter.
• Now, let's look at the positions for LMN:
  • L is the 12^th letter.
  • M is the 13^th letter.
  • N is the 14^th letter.
• To find the pattern, we calculate the difference in positions between the corresponding letters:
  • L (12) - P (16) = $12 - 16 = -4$
  • M (13) - Q (17) = $13 - 17 = -4$
  • N (14) - R (18) = $14 - 18 = -4$

The pattern identified is that each letter in the sequence PQR is shifted back by 4 positions in the alphabet to get the sequence LMN.

Applying the Pattern to the Second Pair: GHI to ?

Now, we apply the same pattern (shifting back by 4 positions) to the sequence GHI.

• First, find the positions of the letters in GHI:
  • G is the 7^th letter.
  • H is the 8^th letter.
  • I is the 9^th letter.
• Apply the shift of -4 positions to each letter:
  • For G (7): $7 - 4 = 3$. The 3^rd letter is C.
  • For H (8): $8 - 4 = 4$. The 4^th letter is D.
  • For I (9): $9 - 4 = 5$. The 5^th letter is E.

Following this pattern, the sequence corresponding to GHI is CDE.

Conclusion

The analogy PQR: LMN :: GHI: ? is completed by CDE, as each letter is shifted back by 4 places in the alphabet.

The correct option is therefore 2. CDE.