Complete series: 12CX, 16VE, 24OL, 28HS, 36AZ, ?

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question requires identifying and extending three separate patterns within a single alphanumeric series.
The number pattern alternates between adding 4 and adding 8 to the previous number (12, 16, 24, 28, 36, ...). The next number is 36 + 4 = 40.
The first letter pattern involves moving backward 7 positions in the alphabet for each term (C, V, O, H, A, ...). The next letter after A is T.
The second letter pattern involves moving forward 7 positions in the alphabet for each term (X, E, L, S, Z, ...). The next letter after Z is G.
Combining these three results (40, T, G) gives the final answer: 40TG.

Option B: This option has the incorrect number. The number pattern is an alternating sequence of +4 and +8. The last operation was +8 (28 to 36), so the next should be +4, resulting in 40, not 39.
Option C: This option has the incorrect second letter. The pattern for the second letter is to move forward 7 positions. After Z, moving forward 7 positions leads to G, not H.
Option D: This option has the incorrect number. The number pattern requires adding 4 to 36, which equals 40, not 42.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alphanumeric Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are foundational skills for nurses.
Nurses use pattern recognition to identify trends in patient vital signs, lab results, and symptoms, allowing for early detection of deterioration or improvement.
Strong analytical skills are crucial for interpreting complex information, making sound clinical judgments, and solving problems effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that the question presents an alphanumeric series, where each term consists of numbers and letters.
Break down each term into its constituent parts: the number, the first letter, and the second letter.
Analyze each part as a separate sequence. Look for a consistent pattern or rule for the numbers, the first letters, and the second letters independently.
For the number sequence (12, 16, 24, 28, 36), calculate the difference between consecutive terms to find the pattern (+4, +8, +4, +8).
For the letter sequences (C, V, O...) and (X, E, L...), convert letters to their numerical positions in the alphabet (A=1, Z=26) to more easily identify the mathematical operation (e.g., -7 or +7).
Once you have determined the rule for each of the three sequences, apply it to the last given term (36AZ) to predict the next term in each sequence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHckRVK0dX1YQ_KEs50pzB

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.