What is the next term? D4 G7 J10 M13

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The series combines two independent patterns: one for the letters and one for the numbers.
The letter pattern involves advancing 3 positions in the alphabet for each subsequent term (D → G → J → M).
The number pattern involves adding 3 to the previous number to get the next one (4 → 7 → 10 → 13).
Applying these rules, the next letter is M + 3 positions (P), and the next number is 13 + 3 (16), resulting in P16.

Option B: While the number 16 is correct, the letter Q is the 17th letter of the alphabet, not the 16th. The pattern requires the 16th letter, which is P.
Option C: While the letter P is correct, the number 15 does not follow the '+3' arithmetic progression of the number series (13 + 3 = 16).
Option D: Both the letter and the number are incorrect. R is the 18th letter (M+5), and 20 does not follow the '+3' pattern (13+7).

Visual 1: Infographic. A chart showing the alphabet with corresponding numbers (A=1, B=2, etc.) and arrows demonstrating the '+3' jump from D to G, G to J, J to M, and M to P.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alpha-numeric series pattern recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This type of logical reasoning question assesses analytical and problem-solving skills.
In nursing, these skills are crucial for interpreting patient data, recognizing trends in vital signs, and making sound clinical judgments.
What if the series was D4, F6, H8? The pattern would be +2 for both letters and numbers, and the next term would be J10. This highlights the importance of correctly identifying the specific pattern for each case.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question as an alpha-numeric series problem.
Separate the series into two independent components: the letter sequence (D, G, J, M) and the number sequence (4, 7, 10, 13).
Determine the rule for the letter sequence. You can do this by counting the letters between them or by converting letters to their numerical positions in the alphabet (D=4, G=7, etc.) and finding the mathematical pattern.
Determine the rule for the number sequence. This is usually a simple arithmetic progression like addition or subtraction.
Apply both rules to find the next letter and the next number.
Combine the results to form the final term and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QkmMby5NHuZiP47SbGLclh

Practise the full NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

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