If in a certain code, 'FAMOUS' is written as 'EBLPTT', then how would 'MENTOR' be written in that code?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

The coding logic is based on an alternating pattern of subtracting 1 from the alphabetical position of the first letter, adding 1 to the second, subtracting 1 from the third, and so on (-1, +1, -1, +1...).
Applying this pattern to 'FAMOUS': F(-1) becomes E, A(+1) becomes B, M(-1) becomes L, O(+1) becomes P, U(-1) becomes T, and S(+1) becomes T, resulting in 'EBLPTT'.
Applying the same pattern to 'MENTOR': M(-1) is L, E(+1) is F, N(-1) is M, T(+1) is U, O(-1) is N, and R(+1) is S.
Therefore, the coded word for 'MENTOR' is 'LFMUNS'.

Option A: This option incorrectly has 'N' instead of 'M' for the third letter and adds an extra 'U' at the end, deviating from the established -1, +1 pattern.
Option C: This option appears to be a jumbled or reversed version of the correct answer and does not follow the sequential -1, +1 pattern from the start of the word.
Option D: This option incorrectly applies a -1, -1, -1... pattern for the first few letters (M-1=L, E-1=D, N-1=M), which contradicts the alternating +1 rule shown in the example 'FAMOUS'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Coding and Decoding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Logical reasoning skills are essential for nurses in clinical decision-making, helping them to analyze patient data, identify patterns in symptoms, and determine the most appropriate course of action.
This type of problem-solving helps sharpen the analytical abilities required for tasks like interpreting lab results, adjusting care plans, and troubleshooting equipment.
What if the pattern was +1, -1 instead of -1, +1? The code for 'MENTOR' would be NFOUQP.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully analyze the relationship between the original word ('FAMOUS') and its coded version ('EBLPTT').
Compare the letters in the same positions (1st to 1st, 2nd to 2nd, etc.) to identify a pattern. Check the alphabetical distance between each pair (e.g., F to E is -1, A to B is +1).
Once the pattern is identified (in this case, an alternating -1, +1 sequence), confirm it applies to the entire example word.
Apply this confirmed pattern systematically to the new word ('MENTOR'), letter by letter.
Compare your resulting code with the given options to find the correct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QhVnE1d04rpD3_4HnIlvVO

Practise the full AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

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