Logic and Pattern Recognition - Civil Service Exam


Tips for Answering Logic and Pattern Recognition Questions

Identify the Pattern:

Look at the sequence of numbers, letters, or shapes.
Identify any consistent changes or increments between elements.

Break Down the Components:

If dealing with multiple components (like letter-number combinations), analyze each component separately.
Determine the pattern for numbers and letters individually.

Check for Arithmetic or Geometric Sequences:

For number patterns, check if they increase or decrease by a constant amount (arithmetic) or by a multiple (geometric).
Calculate the differences or ratios between successive terms.

Observe Letter Sequences:

Identify the position of each letter in the alphabet.
Check for patterns such as forward or backward steps, skipping letters, or alternating sequences.

Look for Alternating Patterns:

Some sequences alternate between two or more patterns.
Pay attention to every second, third, or fourth element to see if a sub-pattern exists.

Consider Multiple Possibilities:

If one pattern doesn’t fit, consider other logical possibilities.
Sometimes patterns involve a combination of arithmetic, geometric, and alphabetic sequences.

Double-Check Your Assumptions:

Ensure your identified pattern holds true for all given elements.
Verify that the identified rule applies consistently throughout the sequence.

Use Elimination Techniques:

Narrow down choices by eliminating those that clearly don’t fit the identified pattern.
Focus on the most plausible options and test them against the pattern.

Practice Regularly:

Regular practice with different types of patterns improves recognition skills.
Familiarize yourself with common patterns and sequences to increase speed and accuracy.

Stay Calm and Focused:

Keep a clear mind and avoid getting overwhelmed by complex patterns.
Take a systematic approach to analyze each component carefully.

Practice in Logic and Pattern Recognition

Problem 1.  Which letter-number combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
3-B-5, 6-D-9, 9-F-13, ???

A) 12-H-17
B) 12-G-17
C) 12-H-16
D) 13-H-18
E) 12-I-17

Correct Answer: A) 12-H-17

Pattern Explanation: First number increases by 3 each step. The letters follow every second consonant in the alphabet. The second number increases by 4, then 4, expecting another 4.

Problem 2.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
1-Z-2, 2-X-4, 3-V-6, ???

A) 4-T-8
B) 4-U-8
C) 5-T-9
D) 5-U-10
E) 4-T-9

Correct Answer: A) 4-T-8

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 1 each step. The letters are moving back by 2 positions in the alphabet each time. Second number increases by 2 each step.

Problem 3.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
7-M-14, 8-O-16, 9-Q-18, ???

A) 10-S-20
B) 10-R-20
C) 10-S-21
D) 11-S-22
E) 10-T-20

Correct Answer: A) 10-S-20

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 1 each step. Letters move forward 2 positions in the alphabet. Second number increases by 2 each step.

Problem 4.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
4-J-8, 5-L-10, 6-N-12, ???

A) 7-P-14
B) 8-P-16
C) 7-Q-14
D) 7-O-14
E) 7-P-15

Correct Answer: A) 7-P-14

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 1 each step. Letters follow every second letter forward in the alphabet. The second number increases by 2 each step.

Problem 5. Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
12-T-24, 14-V-28, 16-X-32, ???

A) 18-Z-36
B) 18-Y-36
C) 17-Z-34
D) 19-Z-38
E) 18-Z-37

Correct Answer: A) 18-Z-36

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 2 each step. Letters move forward by 2 positions in the alphabet each time. Second number increases by 4 each step.

Problem 6.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
15-A-30, 18-C-36, 21-E-42, ???

A) 24-G-48
B) 23-G-46
C) 24-F-48
D) 24-H-49
E) 25-G-50

Correct Answer: A) 24-G-48

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 3 each step. The letters are consecutive vowels. Second number increases by 6 each step.

Problem 7.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
20-K-40, 23-N-46, 26-Q-52, ???

A) 29-T-58
B) 29-S-58
C) 29-U-59
D) 30-T-60
E) 29-T-57

Correct Answer: A) 29-T-58

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 3 each step. The letters skip two letters forward in the alphabet each time. Second number increases by 6 each step.

Problem 8.  Which letter-numbers combination will correctly complete the pattern below?
3-H-6, 6-K-12, 9-N-18, ???

A) 12-Q-24
B) 12-P-24
C) 12-R-25
D) 13-Q-26
E) 12-Q-23

Correct Answer: A) 12-Q-24

Pattern Explanation:
First number increases by 3 each step. The letters skip two letters forward in the alphabet each time. Second number doubles the first number.