What should come in place of ? in the given series in order to make it logically complete?
TV4, QT16, NR36, ?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The series consists of three independent patterns: one for the first letter, one for the second letter, and one for the number.
The first letter of each term moves backward by 3 positions in the alphabet (T-3=Q, Q-3=N, N-3=K).
The second letter of each term moves backward by 2 positions in the alphabet (V-2=T, T-2=R, R-2=P).
The number is the square of consecutive even numbers (2²=4, 4²=16, 6²=36, 8²=64).
Combining these three patterns (K, P, 64) gives the correct term KP64.

Option A: The second letter 'M' is incorrect. The pattern for the second letter is to decrease by 2 alphabetical positions (R -> P), not by 5 (R -> M).
Option C: The first letter 'L' is incorrect. The pattern for the first letter is to decrease by 3 alphabetical positions (N -> K), not by 2 (N -> L).
Option D: The second letter 'N' is incorrect. The pattern for the second letter is to decrease by 2 alphabetical positions (R -> P), not by 4 (R -> N).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alphanumeric series pattern recognition as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a general intelligence question, the underlying skill of pattern recognition is crucial in nursing.
Nurses use pattern recognition to identify trends in a patient's vital signs, lab results, or symptoms, which can indicate improvement or deterioration.
For example, recognizing a pattern of gradually decreasing blood pressure and increasing heart rate can be an early sign of shock.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that this is an alphanumeric series question, where each term has both letters and numbers.
Break down the series into its individual components. In this case, there are three separate series to analyze: the first letters, the second letters, and the numbers.
Analyze the pattern for the first letters: T, Q, N. Determine the relationship between consecutive letters (e.g., T to Q is a jump of -3).
Analyze the pattern for the second letters: V, T, R. Determine the relationship (e.g., V to T is a jump of -2).
Analyze the pattern for the numbers: 4, 16, 36. Identify the mathematical relationship (e.g., they are squares of 2, 4, 6).
Once you have determined the rule for each component, apply it to find the next element in each sequence. Then, combine them to form the final answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q5_EaRdHL0N4HNUVzdq8e8

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

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