Which letter cluster will replace the question mark (?) to complete the given series?
SVGQ, OCWD, ?, GQCD, CXSQ
- ALQJM
- BKCMS
- CKJMQ
- DLDCP
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
Let's observe the pattern of shifts between corresponding letters of successive clusters:
1st letter: S (19) → O (15) → K (11) → G (7) → C (3) [-4 steps]
2nd letter: V (22) → C (3≡29) → J (10) → Q (17) → X (24) [+7 steps]
3rd letter: G (7) → W (23) → M (13) → C (3≡29) → S (19) [-10 steps or +16 steps]
Let's calculate: 7−10=−3≡23 (W).
23−10=13 (M).
13−10=3 (C).
3−10=−7≡19 (S).
Thus, the constant shift is −10 steps.
4th letter: Q (17) → D (4≡30) → Q (17) → D (4≡30) → Q (17)
Here, the letters alternate: Q → D → Q → D → Q.
Combining the derived letters gives KJMQ.
1st letter: S (19) → O (15) → K (11) → G (7) → C (3) [-4 steps]
2nd letter: V (22) → C (3≡29) → J (10) → Q (17) → X (24) [+7 steps]
3rd letter: G (7) → W (23) → M (13) → C (3≡29) → S (19) [-10 steps or +16 steps]
Let's calculate: 7−10=−3≡23 (W).
23−10=13 (M).
13−10=3 (C).
3−10=−7≡19 (S).
Thus, the constant shift is −10 steps.
4th letter: Q (17) → D (4≡30) → Q (17) → D (4≡30) → Q (17)
Here, the letters alternate: Q → D → Q → D → Q.
Combining the derived letters gives KJMQ.