SSC CGL Tier 1 2021 General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The series contains a total of 20 positions, which can be grouped into four sets of five letters each. By observing the distribution of the letters p, q, m, d, and h, the underlying pattern is identified as a repeating five-letter unit: pqmdh.

Filling the blanks according to this repeating pattern: First group (positions 1-5): p q (m) d h Second group (positions 6-10): (p) q m d (h) Third group (positions 11-15): p (q) m (d) h Fourth group (positions 16-20): (p) q (m) d h

The letters sequentially required to complete each block are m, p, h, q, d, p, and m. When these are placed in the blanks, the series becomes a consistent repetition of the sequence pqmdh.

Explanation

By substituting the signs from option b into the given equation 18 12 4 5 6 * 53, we get the following mathematical expression: 18 × 12 ÷ 4 + 5 - 6 = 53

According to the BODMAS rule, we solve the operations in the order of Division, Multiplication, Addition, and then Subtraction.

Step 1: Perform the division operation. 12 ÷ 4 = 3 The equation now is 18 × 3 + 5 - 6 = 53

Step 2: Perform the multiplication operation. 18 × 3 = 54 The equation now is 54 + 5 - 6 = 53

Step 3: Perform the addition operation. 54 + 5 = 59 The equation now is 59 - 6 = 53

Step 4: Perform the subtraction operation. 59 - 6 = 53

The calculation results in 53 = 53, which means the Left Hand Side (LHS) is equal to the Right Hand Side (RHS), balancing the equation perfectly.

Explanation

The numbers in the given pattern are arranged in a 3 × 3 grid where each row follows a specific mathematical logic. By examining the relationship between the numbers in the first and second rows, we can identify a consistent formula: the middle number is equal to five times the first number minus two times the third number.

The formula is expressed as: (5 × First Number) - (2 × Third Number) = Middle Number.

Applying this rule to the first row (3, 11, 2): 5 × 3 - 2 × 2 = 15 - 4 = 11

Applying this rule to the second row (5, 11, 7): 5 × 5 - 2 × 7 = 25 - 14 = 11

Following the same logic for the third row (13, ?, 18), we can calculate the missing value: 5 × 13 - 2 × 18 = 65 - 36 = 29

The calculation yields 29, which corresponds to the value required to replace the question mark.

Explanation

The number pairs in this set are governed by the relation y = x + n², where x and y are the first and second numbers of the pair and n is an integer. Calculating the difference for the pair 56:136 yields 136 - 56 = 80. Since 80 is not a perfect square, this pair does not satisfy the arithmetic logic found in the other pairs, where the differences result in the perfect squares 49 (7²), 36 (6²), and 64 (8²).

Explanation

A dermatologist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin. Following the same relationship, a neonatologist is a medical specialist who focuses on the care and treatment of newborn infants, especially those who are ill, born prematurely, or require specialized medical attention in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Explanation

Sanjana's paternal grandmother's only son is Sanjana's father. The only son-in-law of Sanjana's father is the husband of Sanjana herself. The player, described as the son of this son-in-law, is Sanjana's son. Since the player is Sanjana's son, the player's father is Sanjana's husband.

Explanation

Let the present age of the father be F. Based on the given conditions, Gautam's present age is 0.2(F - 15) and Gaurav's present age is 0.6(F - 10). The sum of their present ages is 31, leading to the following linear equation:

0.2(F - 15) + 0.6(F - 10) = 31

Expanding the equation by distributing the coefficients: 0.2F - 3 + 0.6F - 6 = 31

Grouping the F terms and the numeric values: 0.8F - 9 = 31 0.8F = 31 + 9 0.8F = 40

Solving for F: F = (40)/(0.8) F = 50

Explanation

The logic followed in the given pairs is that the second number is obtained by subtracting 8 from the square of the first number. The relationship can be expressed by the formula y = x² - 8, where x is the first number and y is the second number.

For the first pair: 12² - 8 = 144 - 8 = 136

For the third pair: 24² - 8 = 576 - 8 = 568

Applying the same logic to the second pair, where the result is 188: x² - 8 = 188 x² = 188 + 8 x² = 196 x = √(196) = 14

Explanation

The logic followed in the set (9, 21, 124) is that the sum of the first two numbers is multiplied by 4, and then 4 is added to the result to obtain the third number. The pattern is (n₁ + n₂) × 4 + 4 = n₃.

For the given set (9, 21, 124): (9 + 21) × 4 + 4 = 30 × 4 + 4 = 120 + 4 = 124

Applying the same pattern to the set in option d, (17, 37, 220): (17 + 37) × 4 + 4 = 54 × 4 + 4 = 216 + 4 = 220

Explanation

According to the first statement, the set of all camels is contained within the set of bats (C ⊆ B). The third statement indicates an intersection between camels and lions (C ∩ L ≠ ∅). Since all camels are bats, any element that is both a camel and a lion must also be a bat, which confirms that some bats are lions. Therefore, conclusion I follows logically.

The second statement establishes that there is no overlap between bats and parrots (B ∩ P = ∅). Because the first statement places all camels inside the set of bats, and bats have no intersection with parrots, it follows that camels also cannot have any intersection with parrots. By symmetry, no parrot is a camel. Thus, conclusion II also follows logically.

Conclusion III regarding the relationship between parrots and lions cannot be definitively concluded. While we know that no parrot is a bat (and thus no parrot is a camel), there is no information provided to restrict the relationship between parrots and the portion of lions that are not camels. Since a logical conclusion must be true in all possible scenarios, only conclusions I and II follow.

Explanation

The series follows an alternating pattern where two specific letter positions change in each step while the other two remain constant. The changes involve an increment of 5 for one letter and a decrement of 5 for the other.

From TALT to YAGT, the first letter increases by 5 (20 + 5 = 25, T to Y) and the third letter decreases by 5 (12 - 5 = 7, L to G), while the second and fourth letters stay the same.

From YAGT to YFGO, the second letter increases by 5 (1 + 5 = 6, A to F) and the fourth letter decreases by 5 (20 - 5 = 15, T to O), while the first and third letters stay the same.

From YFGO to DFBO, the first letter increases by 5 (25 + 5 = 30; 30 - 26 = 4, Y to D) and the third letter decreases by 5 (7 - 5 = 2, G to B).

From DFBO to DKBJ, the second letter increases by 5 (6 + 5 = 11, F to K) and the fourth letter decreases by 5 (15 - 5 = 10, O to J).

To find the next cluster after DKBJ, we return to the first pattern of changing the first and third letters. The first letter D increases by 5 to become I (4 + 5 = 9), and the third letter B decreases by 5 to become W (2 - 5 = -3; -3 + 26 = 23). Keeping the second and fourth letters (K and J) constant results in the cluster IKWJ.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a two-step transformation. First, each letter of the word is replaced by its opposite letter in the English alphabet, where the sum of the numerical positions of a letter and its opposite is always 27 (e.g., A=1, Z=26; 1+26=27). Second, the resulting string of opposite letters is written in reverse order.

For the word PERMIT: P (16) → K (11) E (5) → V (22) R (18) → I (9) M (13) → N (14) I (9) → R (18) T (20) → G (7) The opposite letters form KVINRG. Reversing this string gives GRNIVK.

Applying this to CONDUCE: C (3) → X (24) O (15) → L (12) N (14) → M (13) D (4) → W (23) U (21) → F (6) C (3) → X (24) E (5) → V (22) The opposite letters form XLMWFXV. Reversing this string results in VXFWMLX.

Explanation

The projector is a hardware output device that receives data from a computer and displays it as images or video onto a screen, wall, or other flat surface. It is the odd one out because it is used to convey processed information to the user, whereas the rest of the group consists of input devices used to provide data or control signals to the computer's processing unit.

Explanation

The sequence follows a pattern where each term is derived by multiplying the preceding term by 2 and adding consecutive odd integers starting from 1. Specifically, the second term is 5 × 2 + 1 = 11, the third term is 11 × 2 + 3 = 25, the fourth term is 25 × 2 + 5 = 55, the fifth term is 55 × 2 + 7 = 117, and the sixth term is 117 × 2 + 9 = 243. To find the missing term, we apply the same logic by multiplying the sixth term by 2 and adding the next odd integer in the sequence, which is 11. Therefore, the calculation is 243 × 2 + 11, which equals 486 + 11 = 497.

Explanation

The relationship between Sympathy and Affinity is based on synonymy, as both words describe a feeling of harmony, natural attraction, or mutual understanding between people. Similarly, Tranquil and Serene are synonyms that both describe a state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance. The pair in the option maintains the same lexical relationship of similarity in meaning as established by the original pair.

Explanation

To arrange the words in dictionary order, we compare them letter by letter. All words begin with E. Comparing the second letters, c in Ecology and Ecliptic comes before l in Electric, n in Enormous, and x in Exterior. Between 5. Ecliptic and 1. Ecology, the third letter l in Ecliptic precedes the third letter o in Ecology, so Ecliptic comes first followed by Ecology. For the remaining words, the second letters l, n, and x determine the sequence. Since l comes before n, 3. Electric is next. Then, because n comes before x, 2. Enormous precedes 4. Exterior. The complete alphabetical arrangement is 5, 1, 3, 2, 4.

Explanation

The cluster QTV follows a numerical progression of +3 and +2 based on the positions of letters in the English alphabet. Assigning numerical values where Q=17, T=20, and V=22, the difference between the first and second letters is 20 - 17 = 3, while the difference between the second and third letters is 22 - 20 = 2. This specific cluster is the different one because it fails to maintain the constant +3 increment between all consecutive letters that is the standard pattern for this set.

Explanation

The series is formed by the continuous repetition of the four-letter cyclic pattern PQRS. By dividing the sequence into four blocks of four letters each, the pattern becomes clear: (PQRS) (PQRS) (PQRS) (PQRS).

Comparing the given sequence with this repeating pattern, we can identify the letters required to fill each blank sequentially:

The first block is (PQRS), where the first and third positions are blanks, giving P and R. The second block is (PQRS), where the second and fourth positions are blanks, giving Q and S. The third block is (PQRS), where the first, third, and fourth positions are blanks, giving P, R, and S. The fourth block is (PQRS), where the second and fourth positions are blanks, giving Q and S.

Collecting these letters in order, we get the sequence P, R, Q, S, P, R, S, Q, S. This matches the combination in option a, noting that the character 5 in the option text is a typographical error for the letter S.

Explanation

The pattern established in this set involves multiplying the first number by 7 to obtain the second number. In the pair (18, 128), the first number 18 when multiplied by 7 results in 126 (18 × 7 = 126). Because the given second number is 128, this pair is the odd one out as it fails to satisfy the y = 7x logic.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a pattern where the positional value of each letter in the English alphabet (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26) is multiplied by its position within the specific word. For example, in MANGO, M is the 1st letter (13 × 1 = 13), A is the 2nd (1 × 2 = 2), N is the 3rd (14 × 3 = 42), G is the 4th (7 × 4 = 28), and O is the 5th (15 × 5 = 75).

Applying this logic to the word APPLE: The 1st letter A has positional value 1, so 1 × 1 = 1. The 2nd letter P has positional value 16, so 16 × 2 = 32. The 3rd letter P has positional value 16, so 16 × 3 = 48. The 4th letter L has positional value 12, so 12 × 4 = 48. The 5th letter E has positional value 5, so 5 × 5 = 25.

Combining these results gives the code 1-32-48-48-25.

Explanation

Jay is the father of Ram, Rajat, and Ramesh because he is the paternal grandfather of Mukul, who is Ram's son. Rajat is the father of Abhiram, making Rajat the grandfather of Ina, who is Abhiram's daughter. This establishes a four-generation lineage where Jay is the first generation, Rajat is the second, Abhiram is the third, and Ina is the fourth. Since Jay is the father of Ina's grandfather Rajat, Jay is the great grandfather of Ina.

Explanation

The series is based on an arithmetic progression for each character position within the letter-clusters. The first letter of each cluster increases by 2 positions: A (1) + 2 = 3 (C), 3 (C) + 2 = 5 (E), and 5 (E) + 2 = 7 (G). The second letter increases by 3 positions: 2 (B) + 3 = 5 (E), 5 (E) + 3 = 8 (H), and 8 (H) + 3 = 11 (K). The third letter increases by 5 positions: 4 (D) + 5 = 9 (I), 9 (I) + 5 = 14 (N), and 14 (N) + 5 = 19 (S). Combining these derived letters, the next cluster in the sequence is GKS.

Explanation

The given pair establishes a relationship between a biological subject and the specific scientific term for its cultivation or rearing. Floriculture is the branch of horticulture that specializes in the commercial cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants. Similarly, vermiculture is the practice of breeding and rearing earthworms under controlled conditions, primarily to utilize them for the decomposition of organic matter and the production of nutrient-rich vermicompost. Both pairs accurately match a specific organism or plant group with its corresponding field of agricultural or biological study.

Explanation

The coding logic involves dividing the six-letter word into two equal segments of three letters each. Each segment is reversed, and every letter is then incremented by one position in the English alphabetical order.

Applying this to PLIGHT: The first segment PLI reversed becomes ILP. Incrementing each letter by one (I to J, L to M, P to Q) results in the first three letters JMQ. The second segment GHT reversed becomes THG. Incrementing each letter by one (T to U, H to I, G to H) results in the last three letters UIH. Joining the segments gives the final code JMQUIH.

Applying the same rule to CANDLE: The first segment CAN reversed becomes NAC. Incrementing each letter by one in the alphabetical series (N to O, A to B, C to D) results in the first three letters OBD. The second segment DLE reversed becomes ELD. Incrementing each letter by one in the alphabetical series (E to F, L to M, D to E) results in the last three letters FME. Joining these segments results in the final code OBDFME.

Explanation

In dictionary arrangement, words are sorted alphabetically from the first letter onwards. All five words share the prefix Hy. The third letter in words 2, 3, 4, and 5 is d, while in word 1 it is g. Because d comes before g in the alphabet, word 1 is placed at the very end of the sequence. Comparing the sixth letters of the words starting with the common prefix Hydro, word 3 has e (Hydroelectric), word 5 has l (Hydrology), word 2 has p (Hydroplane), and word 4 has x (Hydroxide). The alphabetical order of these identifying letters is e, l, p, and x, which positions the words in the relative order of 3, 5, 2, 4, and finally 1.

Explanation

The words Guide, Instructor, and Mentor are gender-neutral terms used to describe roles associated with teaching, advising, or providing direction to others. They serve as functional synonyms for someone who imparts knowledge or leads the way regardless of their sex. Mistress is a gender-specific term that denotes a woman in a position of authority or a woman in a specific personal relationship, making it the odd word out as it does not share the gender-neutral, professional classification of the other three terms.

Explanation

From the second statement, all trained individuals are employees. In syllogistic logic, if a set A is entirely contained within set B, it implies that there is an overlap where at least some part of set B is A. Therefore, because every person who is trained is also an employee, it logically follows that some employees are trained. The other statements do not provide sufficient information to establish a definite relationship between tall individuals and trained individuals, nor do they establish a relationship between tall individuals and guests that would support the other conclusions. Only the second conclusion is a necessary logical consequence of the given premises.

Explanation

Substituting the signs from option b into the equation 48 12 8 15 3 * 44 results in the mathematical expression 48 ÷ 12 × 8 + 15 - 3 = 44. Following the BODMAS rule for the sequence of operations, we first perform the division 48 ÷ 12 = 4. Next, we proceed with multiplication 4 × 8 = 32. We then perform the addition 32 + 15 = 47. Finally, we execute the subtraction 47 - 3 = 44. The calculation yields 44, which matches the value on the right side of the equation, confirming the combination is correct.

Explanation

The numbers in the set (7, 51, 22) follow two specific logical patterns: The second number is the square of the first number plus 2: 1st² + 2 = 2nd. For the given set, 7² + 2 = 49 + 2 = 51. The third number is the first number plus 15: 1st + 15 = 3rd. For the given set, 7 + 15 = 22.

In option c), which is (6, 38, 22), the first condition holds true as 6² + 2 = 36 + 2 = 38. However, the second condition is not met because 6 + 15 = 21, whereas the third number provided in the set is 22. Since the other options a), b), and d) satisfy both mathematical rules, this option is the one that is not related in the same way.

Explanation

The first pair follows the relationship of an adult animal and its young one, as a lamb is the offspring of a sheep. Applying this same pattern to the second pair, the young one of a cockroach is known as a nymph. Cockroaches belong to the group of insects that undergo hemimetabolous or incomplete metamorphosis, where the life cycle consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The nymph appears as a miniature, sexually immature version of the adult cockroach and gradually develops into the adult form through a series of molts.

Explanation

The logic followed in the given set (7, 9, 252) is that the third number is obtained by multiplying the product of the first two numbers by 4.

Calculation for the given set: 7 × 9 = 63 63 × 4 = 252

Similarly, for the set (8, 11, 352): 8 × 11 = 88 88 × 4 = 352

Explanation

The given series consists of 25 characters including the blanks. Dividing the series into groups of five letters reveals a repeating pattern: r _ u k t | r j _ k t | _ j u k _ | r j u _ t | r j _ k t

By comparing the positions of the letters across these groups, it is evident that every group follows the same five-letter sequence: r, j, u, k, t. Filling the blanks sequentially to complete this rjukt pattern in each group: In the first group (r _ u k t), the second letter is j. In the second group (r j _ k t), the third letter is u. In the third group (_ j u k _), the first and fifth letters are r and t. In the fourth group (r j u _ t), the fourth letter is k. In the fifth group (r j _ k t), the third letter is u.

The letters placed in the blanks are j, u, r, t, k, u.

Explanation

The coding pattern is defined by two specific rules: all vowels remain unchanged, and each consonant is replaced by a specific substitute as demonstrated in the provided examples. By analyzing the phrase YOU TOOK MY PLACE IN and its code COU POON LC QVAKE IJ, the mapping for each character can be determined.

Vowels such as O, U, A, E, and I do not change, which is why the letters O, I, and E in COMPILE remain as O, I, and E. For the consonants, the letter C changes to K, as seen in the transformation of the word PLACE to QVAKE where the fourth letter C maps to K. The letter M changes to L, as shown in the word MY becoming LC. The letter P changes to Q, as shown by the first letter of PLACE mapping to the first letter of QVAKE. The letter L changes to V, which is the second letter transformation in the same word.

Applying these rules to the word COMPILE results in the following sequence: C becomes K, O remains O, M becomes L, P becomes Q, I remains I, L becomes V, and E remains E. Combining these transformed letters yields the code KOLQIVE.

Explanation

The relationship between Swan and Cygnet is that of an adult animal and its offspring, as a cygnet is the specific term for a young swan. Following this same biological relationship, a poult is the standard name for a young turkey. Both pairs represent the connection between a mature bird and its juvenile form.

Explanation

To balance the equation 14 ∗ 7 ∗ 39 ∗ 133 ∗ 19 ∗ 130 using the signs ×, +, -, ÷, =, we substitute them sequentially into the expression:

14 × 7 + 39 - 133 ÷ 19 = 130

According to the BODMAS rule, we perform division first: 133 ÷ 19 = 7

The equation becomes: 14 × 7 + 39 - 7 = 130

Next, perform multiplication: 14 × 7 = 98

The equation becomes: 98 + 39 - 7 = 130

Finally, perform addition and subtraction: 137 - 7 = 130 130 = 130

The Left Hand Side (LHS) equals the Right Hand Side (RHS), confirming that the combination of signs in option b correctly balances the equation.

Explanation

The coding logic follows a specific rule for vowels and consonants. Consonants are assigned their standard alphabetical position values (A = 1, B = 2, …, Z = 26), while vowels are assigned their reverse alphabetical position values (A = 26, B = 25, …, Z = 1), which can be calculated using the formula 27 - forward position.

In the word CARAMEL: The letter C is a consonant, so its value is 3. The letter A is a vowel, so its reverse value is 27 - 1 = 26. The letter R is a consonant, so its value is 18. The letter A is a vowel, so its reverse value is 27 - 1 = 26. The letter M is a consonant, so its value is 13. The letter E is a vowel, so its reverse value is 27 - 5 = 22. The letter L is a consonant, so its value is 12.

By combining these numerical values in the given order, the code for CARAMEL is 3261826132212.

Explanation

In syllogistic reasoning, when all statements are affirmative (using "All" or "Some"), no definite negative conclusion or statement of impossibility (such as "cannot be") follows. The given statements establish that some bowls are cups, all cups are glasses, some glasses are plates, and all plates are utensils. Let the sets be B (bowls), C (cups), G (glasses), P (plates), and U (utensils). The relations are B ∩ C ≠ ∅, C ⊆ G, G ∩ P ≠ ∅, and P ⊆ U.

Because there are no negative premises (no "No" or "Some not" statements), it is logically possible for all these sets to overlap entirely or for one to be contained within another. Specifically, a scenario can exist where B ⊆ U and G ⊆ U without contradicting any of the four statements. Since these "All" scenarios are possible, the conclusions stating they "cannot" happen are logically incorrect. Thus, neither conclusion I nor II follows from the given information.

Explanation

The logic applied here is that the sum of the digits of the first number is equal to the sum of the digits of the second number. For the pair 324335:577, the sum of the digits of the first number is 3 + 2 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 5 = 20, and the sum of the digits of the second number is 5 + 7 + 7 = 19. In the other pairs, these sums are equal, but in this specific case, the values 20 and 19 do not match.

Explanation

In the English alphabet, each letter corresponds to a numerical position from 1 to 26 (A=1, B=2, …, Z=26). The pattern for these clusters is determined by the numerical gaps between specific pairs of letters. Specifically, for the clusters to be alike, the difference between the positions of the first and second letters must be 6, and the difference between the positions of the third and fourth letters must be 4.

For the letter-cluster ZTOL, the alphabetical positions are Z (26), T (20), O (15), and L (12). Calculating the differences for these pairs:

Difference between the first and second letters: 26 - 20 = 6 Difference between the third and fourth letters: 15 - 12 = 3

While the first gap matches the common pattern, the second gap of 3 deviates from the required difference of 4 found in the other clusters. This inconsistency in the final step makes ZTOL the different letter-cluster.

Explanation

The series follows a pattern of alternating addition and multiplication operations using consecutive natural numbers starting from 3.

The first step is 17 + 3 = 20. The second step is 20 × 4 = 80. The third step is 80 + 5 = 85. The fourth step involves multiplying the previous result by the next natural number, 6. Therefore, the missing number is 85 × 6 = 510. To verify the pattern, the fifth step adds the next natural number, 7, to the result: 510 + 7 = 517, which matches the final term in the series.

Explanation

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure in the arteries, which pertains specifically to the cardiovascular or circulatory system. It is distinct from the other terms because rickets, gout, and arthritis are all disorders that affect the skeletal system, including the bones and joints. Rickets involves the weakening of bones, while arthritis and gout involve inflammation and pain within the joints, making them part of the musculoskeletal category of diseases.

Explanation

The relationship established between the first two words, Poor and Rich, is that of antonyms or opposites. To maintain this logical pattern, the fourth word must be the antonym of the third word, revenge. While revenge involves the act of inflicting harm or injury in return for a perceived wrong, to forgive means to stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake. Therefore, Forgive is the semantic opposite of revenge.

Explanation

Ramesh and Kavita are a married couple with two children, Manideep and Niharika. Since Manideep is the brother of Niharika, and Niharika is the daughter of Kavita and Ramesh, the two siblings are the only children in the family. Ananya is the granddaughter of Kavita, meaning she is the child of either Manideep or Niharika. The information states that Sujit is the father of Ananya. Because Niharika is the daughter of Kavita, Sujit must be Niharika's husband to be the father of Kavita's granddaughter. As the husband of Manideep's sister, Sujit is the brother-in-law of Manideep.

Explanation

The relationship follows a pattern where the second number in the pair is obtained by calculating the product of the individual digits of the first number. For the first ratio, the digits of 39 are multiplied as 3 × 9 = 27. Applying the same logic to the third number, the product of the digits of 43 is 4 × 3 = 12.

Explanation

The pattern is based on a column-wise relationship where the product of the number in the first row and the number in the second row equals the number in the third row. This relationship is defined by the formula R₁ × R₂ = R₃.

In the first column, 3 × 23 = 69. In the second column, 5 × 27 = 135. Following this logic for the third column, the missing value is determined by the calculation 7 × 31 = 217.

Explanation

The series follows a consistent mathematical pattern for each corresponding letter position in the clusters. The first letter in each cluster decreases by 1 in each step: D -1 C -1 B -1 A -1 Z. The second letter increases by 3 in each step: O +3 R +3 U +3 X +3 A (since 24 + 3 = 27, and 27 - 26 = 1). The third letter decreases by 5 in each step: W -5 R -5 M -5 H -5 C. The fourth letter increases by 7 in each step: N +7 U +7 B +7 I +7 P (where 21 + 7 = 28, and 28 - 26 = 2). Applying these transformations to the cluster AXHI, the next cluster is determined to be ZACP.