What is the next term in the series AB, ED, IH, NM, ________?
2014
What is the next term in the series AB, ED, IH, NM, ________?
Answer: A. TS — ConceptIn a letter series, examine both the order of letters within each block and the number of unused letters between consecutive blocks. A consistent rule…
- A.
TS
- B.
ST
- C.
TU
- D.
SU
Attempted by 3 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
In a letter series, examine both the order of letters within each block and the number of unused letters between consecutive blocks.
A consistent rule must reproduce every transition before it is extended to the missing term.
Application
After AB, skip C (one letter); the next adjacent letters D and E are written in reverse order as ED.
After E, skip F and G (two letters); the next adjacent letters H and I are written in reverse order as IH.
After I, skip J, K, and L (three letters); the next adjacent letters M and N are written in reverse order as NM.
After N, skip O, P, Q, and R (four letters); the next adjacent letters are S and T, written in reverse order.
Cross-check
The skipped-letter counts are 1, 2, 3, and 4, while each generated pair from ED onward contains consecutive letters in reverse alphabetical order. Both patterns therefore give TS.
Hence, the next term is TS.