Question:medium

Find the next term in the series: B, D, G, K, P, ?

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Turn each letter into its numeric alphabet position and see if those numbers fit a known formula pattern like triangular numbers, rather than just tracking the gaps one by one.
Updated On: Jul 8, 2026
  • U
  • W
  • T
  • V
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Convert each letter to its alphabet position: B=2, D=4, G=7, K=11, P=16.
Step 2: These numbers 2, 4, 7, 11, 16 match the pattern of a shifted triangular number sequence. Test the closed-form rule \[a_n = 1+\dfrac{n(n+1)}{2}\] for $n=1,2,3,4,5$.
Step 3: Check: $n=1: 1+1=2$ (B); $n=2: 1+3=4$ (D); $n=3: 1+6=7$ (G); $n=4: 1+10=11$ (K); $n=5: 1+15=16$ (P). All five terms match exactly, confirming the formula.
Step 4: For the next letter, use $n=6$: \[a_6 = 1+\dfrac{6\times7}{2} = 1+21 = 22\]
Step 5: Position 22 in the alphabet corresponds to the letter V.
\[\boxed{V}\]
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