What should come in place of the question mark (?) in the given series in order to make it logically complete?
A2B1C4D3E6F5?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The series consists of letter-number pairs where letters follow alphabetical order.
The number associated with each letter is determined by its alphabetical position.
For letters at odd positions (A, C, E, G...), the number is (position + 1).
For letters at even positions (B, D, F, H...), the number is (position - 1).
Applying this rule, G (7th, odd) becomes G(7+1) or G8.
Similarly, H (8th, even) becomes H(8-1) or H7. The resulting pair is G8H7.

Option A: This option incorrectly applies the numerical pattern. It uses the direct alphabetical position for G (7) and adds 1 to the position of H (8), which contradicts the established alternating pattern of +1 for odd positions and -1 for even positions.
Option B: This option reverses the correct alphabetical order of the letters. The series progresses sequentially (A, B, C...), so G must come before H.
Option D: This option incorrectly restarts the alphabetical sequence from 'A' instead of continuing from 'F'. The series follows a continuous alphabetical progression.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Alphanumeric Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Logical reasoning and pattern recognition are foundational skills for nurses.
These skills are crucial for interpreting trends in patient data, such as vital signs, lab results, or ECG strips, to identify improvement or deterioration.
A nurse must recognize patterns in symptoms to anticipate patient needs and potential complications.

How to Approach the Question

First, examine the series and try to separate the letter and number components.
Analyze the sequence of letters to determine if they follow a simple alphabetical order, skip letters, or have another pattern.
Analyze the sequence of numbers to find a mathematical relationship. Check if they are related to the position of the letters in the alphabet.
Look for alternating patterns, especially in series with multiple components like this one (e.g., one rule for odd positions, another for even).
Once you've identified the rules for both letters and numbers, apply them to find the missing term.
Compare your result with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QmOPl5XnG59IOi6WJ4Zsvk

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.