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Question

Select the letter that can replace the question mark? In the following series.

C, E, H, J, M, O ,R,?

The correct answer is

T

Finding the Pattern in Letter Series Questions

The question asks us to identify the letter that logically continues the given series: C, E, H, J, M, O, R, ?

To solve letter series problems, we need to examine the differences or relationships between consecutive letters. This usually involves looking at their positions in the alphabetical order.

Analyzing the Letter Series Pattern

Let's look at the position of each letter in the English alphabet:

  • C is the 3rd letter.
  • E is the 5th letter.
  • H is the 8th letter.
  • J is the 10th letter.
  • M is the 13th letter.
  • O is the 15th letter.
  • R is the 18th letter.

Now let's find the difference in position between consecutive letters:

  • From C (3) to E (5): ${5 - 3 = +2}$
  • From E (5) to H (8): ${8 - 5 = +3}$
  • From H (8) to J (10): ${10 - 8 = +2}$
  • From J (10) to M (13): ${13 - 10 = +3}$
  • From M (13) to O (15): ${15 - 13 = +2}$
  • From O (15) to R (18): ${18 - 15 = +3}$

The pattern of differences between consecutive letters is clearly +2, +3, +2, +3, +2, +3. This is an alternating pattern of adding 2 then adding 3 to the position of the current letter to get the position of the next letter.

Determining the Next Letter in the Series

Following the identified pattern, the next step after R should be to add 2 to its position.

  • R is the 18th letter.
  • Add 2 to the position of R: ${18 + 2 = 20}$

The 20th letter of the English alphabet is T.

Therefore, the letter that replaces the question mark is T.

Letter Position Difference
C 3 -
E 5 +2
H 8 +3
J 10 +2
M 13 +3
O 15 +2
R 18 +3
T 20 +2

The series continues with T, following the established +2, +3 pattern.

Revision Table: Letter Series Patterns

Understanding common patterns helps in solving letter series questions quickly.

Pattern Type Description Example
Constant Difference Adding or subtracting a fixed number to letter positions. A (+2) C (+2) E...
Alternating Difference Adding or subtracting numbers in an alternating sequence. A (+1) B (+2) D (+1) E (+2) G...
Increasing/Decreasing Difference The difference between letters increases or decreases by a constant value each time. A (+1) B (+2) D (+3) G...
Skip Letters Skipping a fixed or patterned number of letters between terms. A (skip 1) C (skip 1) E...

Additional Information: Tips for Solving Letter Series

Here are some tips for tackling letter series problems in reasoning sections:

  • Write down the alphabet: Having the alphabet A-Z written down with their positions (1-26) can be very helpful.
  • Calculate differences: Find the difference in alphabetical position between consecutive letters.
  • Look for repeating patterns: See if the differences or skips repeat in a sequence.
  • Check for increasing/decreasing patterns: Sometimes the pattern itself changes consistently.
  • Consider skipping: Count the number of letters skipped between the given letters.
  • Prime/Composite numbers: The differences or positions might follow prime or composite number sequences.

Practicing different types of series helps in recognizing patterns faster.

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Important Questions from Alphabet Series

  1. Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    KMTC, EVOM, OQXG, IZSQ, ?

  2. 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_m
  3. Select the letter will replace the question mark (?) in the following series.

    C, B, B, C, Z, E, W, H, S, ?, N
  4. Which letter will replace the question mark (?) in the following letter series?

    E, J, N, Q, S, ?

  5. 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

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