Select the letter-cluster from among the given options that can replace the question mark (?) in the following series: DAPR, FESU, HIVX, JMYA ?

Correct — D.
Rule: +2, +4, +3, +3, one step for each of the four positions.

First: D, F, H, J → J(10) + 2 = L(12).
Second: A, E, I, M → M(13) + 4 = Q(17).
Third: P, S, V, Y → Y(25) + 3 = 28, and 28 − 26 = B(2).
Fourth: R, U, X, A → A(1) + 3 = D(4).

That gives LQBD → option (d).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  ZBCX — ZBCX fails at the first letter: D, F, H, J rise by 2, so the next is L, not Z.
• (b)
  QCTR — QCTR starts with Q where J + 2 = L. Its second letter is off too: M + 4 = Q, not C.
• (c)
  PYSB — PYSB starts with P. The first letters move +2 at every step, so after J comes L.

Treat each four-letter cluster as four separate series, one per position, and find each position's step.

Two positions wrap past Z. In the third, Y(25) + 3 = 28, and 28 − 26 = 2 gives B. The fourth wrapped a term earlier: X(24) + 3 = 27 → A(1), then A + 3 = D.

Key facts

• Past Z, subtract 26: Y(25) + 3 = 28, and 28 − 26 = 2 = B.
• LQBD is L = 12, Q = 17, B = 2, D = 4.
• Each position of a letter cluster can follow its own step, here +2, +4, +3 and +3.

Common traps

• Stopping at Y + 3 and looking for a 28th letter instead of wrapping to B
• Assuming all four positions move by the same step

No directly related past PYQ was found.