Find the missing (?) in the series?
AIQ → BJR → CKS → DLT ?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question asks to find the next term in a letter series.
The series consists of three-letter groups (trigrams).
The pattern involves advancing each letter in the trigram by one position in the alphabet for each subsequent term.
First letters: A, B, C, D, ... The next is E.
Second letters: I, J, K, L, ... The next is M.
Third letters: Q, R, S, T, ... The next is U.

Option A: This option does not follow the established +1 progression for all three letter positions. While B is +1 from A, M is not +1 from L, and V is not +1 from T.
Option B: This option incorrectly repeats letters from previous terms (J, K, S) and does not follow the sequential +1 pattern from the last given term (DLT).
Option C: This option is a close distractor. It correctly identifies the first (E) and third (U) letters based on the +1 pattern. However, the middle letter is N, which is incorrect. The sequence for the middle letter is I → J → K → L, so the next letter should be M, not N.

Visual 1: Infographic: An infographic showing the three parallel alphabetical progressions. Three rows, one for each letter position, with arrows indicating the +1 shift from A→B→C→D→E, I→J→K→L→M, and Q→R→S→T→U.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Letter Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are general aptitude skills.
These skills are useful in clinical practice for analyzing data, identifying trends in patient symptoms, and making logical decisions under pressure.
This type of question is common in the non-nursing sections of competitive examinations to assess analytical abilities.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the structure of the series. Notice that it's a sequence of three-letter groups.
Break the problem down. Instead of looking at the group as a whole (AIQ, BJR), examine the pattern for each position separately.
Analyze the sequence of the first letters: A, B, C, D. Identify the simple alphabetical progression.
Analyze the sequence of the second letters: I, J, K, L. Identify the pattern here as well.
Analyze the sequence of the third letters: Q, R, S, T. Again, identify the pattern.
Once you have determined the next letter for each of the three positions, combine them to form the missing term.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QCWNE2IP1kJPWK_hw52kwl

Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

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