What should come in place of the question mark in the given series in order to make it logically complete? A237, BY41, CX43, ?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The series combines three independent patterns: the first letter, the second letter, and the number.
The first letters (A, B, C) follow a simple forward alphabetical sequence, making the next letter D.
The second letters (Z, Y, X) follow a reverse alphabetical sequence, making the next letter W. This requires correcting a typo in the first term from A237 to AZ37 for the pattern to be consistent.
The numbers (37, 41, 43) are consecutive prime numbers. The next prime number after 43 is 47.
Combining these three parts (D, W, 47) gives the correct next term in the series: DW47.

Option A: The number 45 is incorrect because it is not a prime number; it is divisible by 5 and 9.
Option C: The second letter 'V' is incorrect as it breaks the reverse alphabetical sequence of Z, Y, X, which should be followed by W.
Option D: The number 46 is incorrect because it is an even number and not a prime number.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alphanumeric Series Completion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical and analytical reasoning, a core skill for nurses who must identify patterns in patient symptoms, lab results, and vital signs to make sound clinical judgments.
The ability to break down a complex problem (the alphanumeric series) into smaller, manageable parts (letter and number sequences) is analogous to how a nurse triages and prioritizes patient care tasks.
What if? - If the third term was CX45 instead of CX43, the number pattern would no longer be consecutive prime numbers. It would become 37, 41, 45 (a sequence of adding 4). The next number would then be 49 (45 + 4), and the answer would be DW49.

How to Approach the Question

First, examine the series and identify that it is an alphanumeric series, meaning it combines letters and numbers.
Break the series down into its constituent parts. Analyze the pattern for the first letter, the second letter, and the number separately.
For the first letter (A, B, C), identify the simple alphabetical progression to determine the next letter.
For the second letter (2, Y, X), look for a pattern. Notice that '2' seems out of place. Test the hypothesis of a typo. If it were 'Z', the pattern Z, Y, X would be a clear reverse alphabetical sequence. Proceed with this assumption.
For the number (37, 41, 43), analyze the sequence. Check for common patterns like arithmetic progression, geometric progression, squares, cubes, or prime numbers. Here, they are consecutive prime numbers.
Combine the individual results (D, W, 47) to form the complete next term and select the matching option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

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