Refer to the following series of letters and symbols, and answer the question that follows. Calculation should be done from left to right only.
(Left) & 5 1 & 2 # 7 6 3 0 @ 4 & 8 & 9 1 (Right)
How many such symbols are there each of which are immediately preceded by a number and also should be followed by a number?

1. A

   Two

2. B

   One

3. C

   None

4. D

   More than two

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

• The question requires finding a specific pattern: a symbol that has a number immediately before and immediately after it ([Number][Symbol][Number]).
• Scanning the sequence & 5 1 & 2 # 7 6 3 0 @ 4 & 8 & 9 1 reveals five such patterns.
• The identified patterns are: 1 & 2, 2 # 7, 0 @ 4, 4 & 8, and 8 & 9.
• Since there are five instances, which is 'more than two', this option is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This is incorrect as there are five matching patterns found in the sequence, not just two.
• Option B: This is incorrect as multiple matching patterns exist in the sequence.
• Option C: This is incorrect because five matching patterns were successfully identified in the sequence.

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Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Pattern Identification in a Sequence as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Pattern recognition is a fundamental cognitive skill tested in many competitive examinations, including those for nursing positions, to assess analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• This type of question evaluates attention to detail and the ability to systematically follow a set of rules, which are crucial skills for tasks like medication administration and patient monitoring.
• What if the condition was 'symbol preceded by a number OR followed by a number'? The count would change. For example, the first '&' is followed by '5', so it would be counted. The total count would be different, demonstrating the importance of precise rule interpretation.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read the question to understand the exact pattern you need to find. Here, the pattern is [Number][Symbol][Number].
• Break down the condition: the element must be a symbol, it must be 'immediately preceded' by a number, and 'immediately followed' by a number.
• Scan the sequence methodically from left to right. Examine each symbol one by one.
• For each symbol, check the character immediately to its left and the character immediately to its right.
• If both adjacent characters are numbers, increment your count.
• After checking the entire sequence, compare your final count to the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Logical Reasoning: Pattern Identification in a Sequence
• Stem keywords: series of letters and symbols, preceded by a number, followed by a number
• Lead-in keywords: How many

Question ID

QVu4XhEC8vbhAkALnToaW8

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