If ALBUM is coded as EPFYQ, then what will BLACK be coded as?

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The problem uses a simple substitution cipher where each letter in the original word is shifted forward by a fixed number of positions in the alphabet.
By comparing 'ALBUM' to 'EPFYQ', we can see that each letter is shifted forward by 4 places (A+4=E, L+4=P, B+4=F, U+4=Y, M+4=Q).
Applying this '+4 shift' rule to the word 'BLACK' gives us 'FPEGO' (B+4=F, L+4=P, A+4=E, C+4=G, K+4=O).

Option A: This option does not follow the established '+4' shift pattern. For example, B+4 is F, not E.
Option B: This option is incorrect. It seems to follow a '+5' shift for the first letter (B+5=G) but is inconsistent for the rest of the word.
Option C: This option results from applying a '+1' shift to the word 'BLACK' (B+1=C, L+1=M, etc.). The example 'ALBUM' -> 'EPFYQ' clearly establishes a '+4' shift.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Coding-Decoding by Letter Shifting as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning is a core competency for nurses. It is used in prioritizing patient care, interpreting complex data from monitors, and troubleshooting equipment.
These types of questions in nursing entrance exams test a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
What if the code was a reverse shift? If 'ALBUM' was coded as 'WHXMI' (a -5 shift), then 'BLACK' would be coded as 'WGVXF'.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the given word ('ALBUM') and its code ('EPFYQ') to identify the pattern.
Assign numerical values to the letters (A=1, B=2, etc.) and calculate the difference. A(1) -> E(5) is a difference of +4. L(12) -> P(16) is also +4.
Confirm that the pattern is consistent for all letters in the example word. Here, it is a consistent forward shift of 4.
Apply the identified pattern ('+4 shift') to the new word, 'BLACK'.
Calculate the new letter for each position: B(2)+4=F(6), L(12)+4=P(16), A(1)+4=E(5), C(3)+4=G(7), K(11)+4=O(15).
Combine the new letters to form the answer, 'FPEGO', and select the corresponding option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

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