In each of the following questions, a group of three numbers/symbols is given in each option. Identify the group that does NOT follow the same pattern as the others.

Correct — D.
Rule: letters step back one, numbers rise by one, and each term carries a different symbol.

Z1$ : Y2# : X3@ → symbols $, #, @
W4% : V5^ : U6& → symbols %, ^, &
T7* : S8( : R9] → symbols *, (, ]

Q10$ : P11$ : O12$ keeps the letters and numbers in step but repeats $ in every term → option (d).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  Z1$ : Y2# : X3@ — Z1$ : Y2# : X3@ steps Z, Y, X back one letter, counts 1, 2, 3, and uses three different symbols. It follows the pattern.
• (b)
  W4% : V5^ : U6& — W4% : V5^ : U6& continues the run, W, V, U with 4, 5, 6, and gives each term its own symbol. It follows the pattern.
• (c)
  T7* : S8( : R9] — T7* : S8( : R9] carries the run on, T, S, R with 7, 8, 9, and uses three different symbols. It follows the pattern.

When the letters and numbers of every option obey one rule, the odd group hides in the third element. Here they form a single unbroken run across the four options: Z1, Y2, X3 … Q10, P11, O12, each number being the letter's place counted from Z.

So letters and numbers cannot separate the options. The symbols can, and option (d) repeats one.

Key facts

• In every group here, letter position + number = 27: Z(26) + 1, Y(25) + 2, X(24) + 3.
• Q is the 17th letter, so counted from Z it is 10th.
• When letters and numbers agree in every option, compare the symbols.

Common traps

• Checking only letters and numbers, finding all four groups regular, and guessing
• Expecting each number to be the letter's forward position, which fits none of these groups and decides nothing

No directly related past PYQ was found.