Question

Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series: S C E G, S F K P, S I Q Y, S L W H,?

• A. S O C Q
• B. S O B Q
• C. S P C R
• D. S P D R

Answer 1

Answer:

A. S O C Q

Pattern Analysis of the Letter-Cluster Series

• First Letter: The first letter of every term in the series is 'S'. Therefore, the first letter of the missing term must also be S.

• Second Letter: Observing the second letters in the sequence: C (3) → F (6) → I (9) → L (12). The pattern follows an increment of +3. Therefore, L (12) + 3 = 15, which corresponds to the letter O.

• Third Letter: Observing the third letters in the sequence: E (5) → K (11) → Q (17) → W (23). The pattern follows an increment of +6 (5+6=11, 11+6=17, 17+6=23). Therefore, W (23) + 6 = 29. Since there are 26 letters in the alphabet, we subtract 26 (29-26 = 3), which corresponds to the letter C.

• Fourth Letter: Observing the fourth letters in the sequence: G (7) → P (16) → Y (25) → H (8). The pattern follows an increment of +9. Calculation: G(7)+9 = P(16); P(16)+9 = Y(25); Y(25)+9 = 34. Subtracting 26 (34-26 = 8), we get H(8). Continuing this: H(8) + 9 = 17, which corresponds to the letter Q.

• Conclusion: Combining these derived letters (S, O, C, Q), the resulting term is SOCQ.