Choose the odd one out: (17, P, #), (13, J, !), (19, R, %), (23, V, @)

Correct — B. Compare each number with its letter's place in the alphabet. The symbols play no part.

Rule: letter position = number − 1.

(17, P, #): P is 16th = 17 − 1
(19, R, %): R is 18th = 19 − 1
(23, V, @): V is 22nd = 23 − 1
(13, J, !): J is 10th, but 13 − 1 = 12 is L

So (13, J, !) is the odd one out: option (b).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  (17, P, #) — P is the 16th letter, one less than 17. The group follows the rule, like (19, R, %) and (23, V, @).
• (c)
  (19, R, %) — R is the 18th letter, one less than 19. It fits the same rule as P and V.
• (d)
  (23, V, @) — V is the 22nd letter, one less than 23. It fits the rule; J, the 10th letter against 13, does not.

A number-letter-symbol triad hides a link between two of its three parts. Try the letter's alphabet position against the number first.

Here three letters sit exactly one place below their number. All four numbers are prime (13, 17, 19, 23), so primality cannot separate one group.

Key facts

• Landmark positions: E5, J10, O15, T20, Y25.
• P = 16, R = 18, V = 22, and L = 12.
• 13, 17, 19 and 23 are all prime.

Common traps

• Testing primality first: all four numbers are prime, and the time goes on a rule that separates nothing.
• Counting J as the 12th letter and deciding every group fits.

No directly related past PYQ was found.