Select the letters that will replace the question mark (?) in the following series. GMDR, EOBT, CQZV, ?, YUVZ
ASXX
The question asks us to identify the missing term in the given letter series: GMDR, EOBT, CQZV, ?, YUVZ. To solve this type of problem, we need to analyze the pattern in each corresponding letter position across the terms in the series.
Let's examine the series by looking at the letters in the same position in each term:
Let's look at the alphabetical position of the first letters:
The pattern here is a decrease of 2 in the alphabetical position ($7 \to 5 \to 3$). Following this pattern, the next letter should be $3 - 2 = 1$st letter, which is A.
Let's check the last term: Y is the 25th letter. The pattern continuing from A (1st letter, or 27th if wrapping around) would be $27 - 2 = 25$, which is Y. So, the pattern holds.
Now let's examine the second letters:
The pattern here is an increase of 2 in the alphabetical position ($13 \to 15 \to 17$). Following this pattern, the next letter should be $17 + 2 = 19$th letter, which is S.
Let's check the last term: U is the 21st letter. The pattern continuing from S (19th letter) would be $19 + 2 = 21$, which is U. So, the pattern holds.
Next, let's look at the third letters:
The pattern here is a decrease of 2 in the alphabetical position ($4 \to 2$). When we decrease 2 from B (2nd letter), we wrap around the alphabet from A to Z. So, $2 - 2 = 0$ or 26th letter, which is Z. Following this pattern, the next letter should be $26 - 2 = 24$th letter, which is X.
Let's check the last term: V is the 22nd letter. The pattern continuing from X (24th letter) would be $24 - 2 = 22$, which is V. So, the pattern holds.
Finally, let's examine the fourth letters:
The pattern here is an increase of 2 in the alphabetical position ($18 \to 20 \to 22$). Following this pattern, the next letter should be $22 + 2 = 24$th letter, which is X.
Let's check the last term: Z is the 26th letter. The pattern continuing from X (24th letter) would be $24 + 2 = 26$, which is Z. So, the pattern holds.
By combining the letters we found for each position (First: A, Second: S, Third: X, Fourth: X), the missing term in the series is ASXX.
| Position | Letters in Series | Pattern (Alphabetical Position) | Missing Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | G, E, C, ?, Y | Decreasing by 2 ($n \to n-2$) | A (1st letter) |
| 2nd | M, O, Q, ?, U | Increasing by 2 ($n \to n+2$) | S (19th letter) |
| 3rd | D, B, Z, ?, V | Decreasing by 2 with wrap-around ($n \to n-2$) | X (24th letter) |
| 4th | R, T, V, ?, Z | Increasing by 2 ($n \to n+2$) | X (24th letter) |
The missing term is therefore ASXX.
Reviewing the steps taken to solve the letter series question helps in understanding the process for similar problems:
Letter series are common in logical reasoning tests. They can follow various patterns:
Practicing different types helps in quickly recognizing the underlying logic during exams.
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