Series Analysis: Vowel-Number-Consonant Pattern

The question asks us to examine the given series $@18HLI6K*&?UE$ and count how many numbers satisfy a specific condition. The condition is that the number must be immediately preceded by a vowel and immediately succeeded by a consonant.

Identifying Series Elements

First, let's identify the different types of characters in the series:

• Vowels: A, E, I, O, U
• Consonants present in the series: H, L, K
• Numbers present in the series: 1, 8, 6
• Symbols present in the series: @, *, &, ?

Applying the Condition: Vowel + Number + Consonant

We need to find instances in the series where a number is directly between a vowel and a consonant. Let's examine the series step-by-step:

• $@$: Symbol.
• $1$: Number. Preceded by $@$ (Symbol) and succeeded by $8$ (Number). This does not match the pattern.
• $8$: Number. Preceded by $1$ (Number) and succeeded by $H$ (Consonant). This does not match the pattern (needs a vowel before).
• $H$: Consonant.
• $L$: Consonant.
• $I$: Vowel.
• $6$: Number. It is preceded by $I$ (Vowel) and succeeded by $K$ (Consonant). This instance matches the required pattern (Vowel + Number + Consonant).
• $K$: Consonant.
• $*$: Symbol.
• $&$: Symbol.
• $?$: Symbol.
• $U$: Vowel.
• $E$: Vowel.

Counting the Numbers

By analyzing the series according to the specified condition (Vowel + Number + Consonant), we found only one number, '6', that meets the criteria.

Therefore, there is exactly one number in the series which is preceded by a vowel and succeeded by a consonant.