Reasoning : Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

Q 114 / 325

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Consider the following arrangement that has some missing letters:

abab_b_bcb_dcdcded_d
The missing letter which complete the arrangement are:

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (3)

The given arrangement is abab_b_bcb_dcdcded_d. To complete this sequence, a consistent and discernible pattern must be established.

Upon inserting the letters 'a', 'c', 'c', and 'e' into the respective blanks, the arrangement transforms as follows:

  • The first blank, when filled with 'a', completes the segment ababab, which represents a repetition of the 'ab' sequence.
  • The second blank, when filled with 'c', completes the segment cbcb, which represents a repetition of the 'cb' sequence.
  • The third blank, when filled with 'c', and the fourth blank, when filled with 'e', complete the segment cdcdeded, which represents a repetition of the 'cded' sequence.

Thus, the complete arrangement becomes abababcbcbc dcdcdede d, demonstrating a clear and consistent pattern of repeating letter blocks. Therefore, the missing letters are 'a', 'c', 'c', and 'e'.

Incorrect Options:

Options 1, 2, and 4 propose combinations of letters that, when inserted into the given arrangement, do not produce a coherent or consistently repeating pattern. The resulting sequences would lack the logical structure and predictability characteristic of such letter series problems.