Selected the option to have similar relation on either side of :: in given series.

MAD : JXA :: RUN : ?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

Explanation

The core logic of this analogy is a consistent positional shift for each letter in the pair.
In the first pair (MAD:JXA), each letter is shifted three positions backward in the alphabet (M-3=J, A-3=X, D-3=A).
Applying this same '-3' rule to the word 'RUN' results in 'ORK' (R-3=O, U-3=R, N-3=K).

Option B: The word SOQ does not follow the '-3' shift rule. The shifts are S(+1), O(-3), Q(+3), which is inconsistent.
Option C: The word PRJ does not follow the '-3' shift rule. The shifts are P(-2), R(-3), J(-4), which is a descending pattern but not the one established by the first pair.
Option D: The word UXQ does not follow the '-3' shift rule. It follows a '+3' shift rule (R+3=U, U+3=X, N+3=Q). This is the opposite of the required logic.

Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic showing the English alphabet, with arrows demonstrating the '-3' positional shift from M to J, A to X, and D to A. This helps visualize the backward-counting logic.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Analogical Reasoning (Letter Series) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This type of question assesses logical and deductive reasoning, a fundamental skill for nurses in clinical problem-solving, interpreting data, and making sound judgments under pressure.
What if? - If the relationship was a '+3' shift instead of '-3', the answer for RUN would be UXQ (R+3=U, U+3=X, N+3=Q), which corresponds to option D.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the first pair of terms (MAD and JXA).
Determine the pattern by comparing the positions of corresponding letters in the alphabet (e.g., M is the 13th letter, J is the 10th).
Identify the consistent rule. In this case, each letter is shifted 3 positions backward (a '-3' shift).
Apply this exact same rule to the second term (RUN) to find the missing term.
Calculate the new letters: R (18) - 3 = O (15); U (21) - 3 = R (18); N (14) - 3 = K (11).
Select the option that matches your derived answer, which is ORK.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

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