What numbers should replace the question marks if the same sequence has to be followed in the given series:

71, 81, 74, 77, 77, 73, 80, 69, ?, ?, ?, ?

(A) 65

(B) 86

(C) 61

(D) 83

The sequence can be analyzed by separating it into two alternating subsequences based on position.

---

Odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, ...):

71, 74, 77, 80

The differences are:

74 - 71 = 3

77 - 74 = 3

80 - 77 = 3

Pattern: Each term increases by 3

---

Even positions (2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, ...):

81, 77, 73, 69

The differences are:

77 - 81 = -4

73 - 77 = -4

69 - 73 = -4

Pattern: Each term decreases by 4

---

For the next four terms (positions 9, 10, 11, 12):

Position 9 (odd): $80 + 3 = 83$

Position 10 (even): $69 - 4 = 65$

Position 11 (odd): $83 + 3 = 86$

Position 12 (even): $65 - 4 = 61$

---

The sequence continues as: 83, 65, 86, 61

Matching with given options:

• (A) = 65
• (B) = 86
• (C) = 61
• (D) = 83

The order is: (D), (A), (B), (C)

Therefore, the answer is Option 2.