Understand Alphanumeric Series in Details

Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Prepbytes

The reasoning section is a common section that is always a part of all competitive exams which are generally conducted throughout the year. The reasoning section is designed to access a candidate’s ability to think logically and analyze given data to solve problems fastly. The Alphanumeric series is an important topic in the reasoning section. Further down the line, we will see how to solve alphanumeric series with the help of some sample questions.

What is an Alphanumeric Series?

As the name suggests, Alpha and numeric, is a series that is formed by mixing both alphabets and numbers. Symbols are also sometimes included in alphanumeric series. Hence we can say that an Alphanumeric series is a combination of alphabet, number, and symbol.

An example of an alphanumeric series is – *A 5 9 I N & E @ # U 1 &**

Questions from the alphanumeric series are mostly asked in the preliminary phase of all Government exams. Alphanumeric series questions are simple to answer, and candidates could expect at least 1-3 questions from them on the exam.

Tips and Tricks to Solve Alphanumeric Series-based Questions

There is a range of types from which questions may be asked for alphanumeric series. These types are

• Missing Series: A series of alphabets and numbers may be given a certain pattern, and applicants may be asked to fill in the blank area with the required element.
• Alphabet-Number-Symbol: These questions may also be asked in a format in which a series of alphabets, numbers, and various types of symbols (such as &, *, $, etc.) are given, and questions are asked based on them.
• Only Alphabetic Series: A series arranged in a particular way with either a missing element or questions with sub-parts made up of only alphabets and no numbers are asked.
• Only Numerical Series: In an exam, candidates may be asked only about numerical series that are arranged in a particular pattern. This type of question may be asked in the form of a rearrangement of numbers or digits, with the number in ascending, descending, or any other order.

Let’s discuss a few tips and tricks that may help in solving questions on alphanumeric series:

1. In pattern-based series, first, analyze the given alphanumeric series and try to figure out the hidden pattern that is being followed. Generally, the pattern may involve a change in succeeding or preceding terms of the number or alphabet.

2. In abrupt series, a series which consists of number-symbol-alphabet, no pattern is usually observed. Candidates must proceed to the subset of questions and answer them immediately.

3. To confirm that no errors have been made, recheck the full series after obtaining an answer for the missing number series.

Alphanumeric Series: Solved Sample Questions

Listed below are a few sample questions from the Alphanumeric series to help you strengthen your concept.

Directions (1–4): Based on the arrangement below, answer the following questions

N # P 3 H R $ 5 % G 6 K M & I D @ L F 2

Q1. If the symbols followed by consonants interchange their positions within the group, then which element is fourth from the right end?

(a) @
(b) &
(c) L
(d) D
(e) None of these

Correct Option – c

Now let’s do some analysis

Analysis:
Given series – N # P 3 H R $ 5 % G 6 K M & I D @ L F 2
After operation – N P # 3 H R $ 5 G % 6 K M I & D L @ F 2

So, the fourth element from the right end = L

Q2. How many vowels in the above arrangement are preceded by a symbol?

(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) None
(e) Four

Correct Option – a;  “I” is preceded by “&”.

Q3. Which is the Third element to the left of the Fifth element from the right?

(a) &
(b) K
(c) D
(d) M
(e) 6

Correct Option – d; the Fifth element from the right is D and the third to its left is M

Q4. If all the symbols in the arrangement are removed, which element will be 7th from the left end?

(a) 5
(b) K
(c) 6
(d) M
(e) G

Correct Option: e

Explanation: If we remove all the symbols (#,$,%,&,@), the remaining elements are N, P, 3, H, R, 5, G, 6, K, M, I, D, L, F, 2. Counting 7 elements from the left end, we get to the letter G.

Directions (5–6): Missing element in the series

Q5. Find the missing term in the given below series

ABD EFI JKO ?

(a) RSX
(b) TUZ
(c) PQV
(d) QRW

Correct Option: c

Explanation:

Q6. Find the missing term in the given below series

CEG ? OQS UWY

(a) JLN
(b) HJL
(c) KMO
(d) IKM

Correct Option: d

Explanation:

Directions (7–8): Answer the following questions using the numerical series given below

534 442 768 283 209

Q7. When all the digits in each of the given numbers are arranged in ascending order, which number becomes the highest?

(a) 534
(b) 442
(c) 768
(d) 283
(e) 209

Correct Option: c

Explanation: When the digits are arranged in ascending order within the number, the new numbers formed are:

534 – 345

442 – 244

768 – 678

283 – 238

209 – 029

Q8. When the digits within the number are multiplied with each other, the product of which number is the lowest?

(a) 534
(b) 442
(c) 768
(d) 283
(e) 209

Correct Option: e

Explanation: Any number multiplied by 0 will give the answer 0, which is the least.

Conclusion
The Alpha-Numeric Series is a combination of alphabets and numbers. It may also include lower- and upper-case alphabets, punctuation, and symbols. The alphanumeric series is a popular topic in competitive and government exams. Questions on this topic are frequently asked in the preliminary stages of all Competitive exams.

FAQs

Given below are some frequently asked questions on Alphanumeric Series

Q1: What do you mean by alphanumeric series?
A: An alphanumeric series is a series of characters that includes both alphabets and numbers. Sometimes, symbols are also combined with alphabets and numbers to form an alphanumeric series.

Q2: How to identify any pattern in an alphanumeric series?
A: Look for any repeating sequences of alphabets or numbers in the series. Also, consider the position of the alphabet in the series and any possible mathematical relationships between them.

Q3: What are some common types of patterns in alphanumeric series?
A: Arithmetic sequences, Geometric sequences, and repeating sequences are some common types of patterns in alphanumeric series.

Q4: What are some tips for solving alphanumeric series?
A: Start by identifying any repeating sequences or patterns in the series. Look for any mathematical relationships between the characters in the series. Try to find the next character in the series by following the established pattern.

Q5: How many questions from the Alphanumeric series are expected to come in bank exams?
A: You can expect 1-3 questions from the alphanumeric series in almost every bank and insurance exam.