f in a code, CAT = DBU, what is DOG?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

The problem uses a simple substitution cipher where each letter in the original word is replaced by the next letter in the alphabet.
For the word 'CAT', 'C' becomes 'D', 'A' becomes 'B', and 'T' becomes 'U', resulting in 'DBU'.
This consistent pattern is a '+1' alphabetical shift.
Applying this same '+1' shift to 'DOG', 'D' becomes 'E', 'O' becomes 'P', and 'G' becomes 'H'.
Therefore, the correct code for 'DOG' is 'EPH'.

Option B: This option incorrectly codes 'G' as 'F'. This would be a '-1' shift (backward shift) for the last letter, which contradicts the established '+1' forward shift pattern.
Option C: This option incorrectly keeps 'D' as 'D'. This represents a '0' shift, which violates the '+1' shift pattern seen with 'CAT' to 'DBU'.
Option D: This option incorrectly codes 'O' as 'O' and 'G' as 'F'. This applies a mix of incorrect shifts ('0' shift for 'O' and '-1' shift for 'G'), breaking the consistent '+1' pattern.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Letter Substitution Cipher as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general intelligence question, not a clinical one. However, it tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition.
Nurses use pattern recognition daily to identify changes in a patient's condition, interpret vital sign trends, and recognize adverse drug reactions.
Strong problem-solving skills are crucial for critical thinking and making sound clinical judgments in complex patient care scenarios.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the given word ('CAT') and its code ('DBU').
Compare each letter individually: 'C' to 'D', 'A' to 'B', and 'T' to 'U'.
Identify the pattern. In this case, each letter is shifted one position forward in the alphabet.
Confirm that this pattern is consistent for all letters in the example word.
Apply the identified pattern ('+1' shift) to the new word ('DOG').
Determine the new code letter by letter: D -> E, O -> P, G -> H.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QM6J0CIH7eTO2DciONJV7e

Practise the full ISRO- 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.