ReasoningAbility.com

Position Jump

Position Jump problems involve letter sequences where the step size (number of positions moved) increases by a constant amount each time. For example, +1, +2, +3, +4, ... or +2, +4, +6, ... These problems test your ability to identify and extend patterns where the increment itself changes.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Position Jump

Position Jump problems involve letter sequences where the step size (number of positions moved) increases by a constant amount each time. For example, +1, +2, +3, +4, ... or +2, +4, +6, ... These problems test your ability to identify and extend patterns where the increment itself changes.

Prerequisites

Alphabet position knowledge Arithmetic progression concepts Understanding of increasing step patterns Wrap-around handling
Why This Matters: Position Jump problems appear in 1-2 questions in Banking PO and SSC CGL exams. They test understanding of progressive patterns.

How to Solve Position Jump Problems

1

Step 1: Convert letters to position numbers

2

Step 2: Calculate the differences between consecutive terms

3

Step 3: Check if the differences themselves form an arithmetic progression

4

Step 4: Determine the next difference value

5

Step 5: Add the next difference to the last term's position

6

Step 6: Handle wrap-around if needed

7

Step 7: Convert the resulting position back to a letter

Pro Strategy: Calculate the differences between consecutive terms. If the differences form an arithmetic progression (increase by constant amount), the series is a Position Jump series. The next difference is the last difference plus the common increment.

Example Problem

Example: Find the next letter: A, C, F, J, ___ Solution: Step 1: Positions: A=1, C=3, F=6, J=10 Step 2: Differences: +2, +3, +4 Step 3: Differences increase by +1 each time Step 4: Next difference = +5 Step 5: Next position = 10 + 5 = 15 Step 6: Position 15 = O Answer: O

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Differences: d₁, d₂, d₃, ... where d₂ - d₁ = d₃ - d₂ = constant
  • Common increment values: +1, +2, -1, etc.
  • Step sizes can increase or decrease
  • The step size pattern can also be multiplicative (geometric progression)
  • Always check if the differences follow a pattern

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If differences increase by +1 each time, next difference = last difference + 1
If differences increase by +2 each time, next difference = last difference + 2
The position of the nth term can be found using quadratic formula
Recognize common sequences: A(1), C(3), F(6), J(10), O(15), U(21)...

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming constant step when step changes
Not calculating differences correctly
Forgetting to handle wrap-around
Misidentifying the pattern of differences

Exam Importance

Position Jump is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Position Jump?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
Start Practicing Now