If MUSIC is coded as 37489 and GHAZALS is coded as 6051524, then how can SILICA be coded?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

The problem uses a direct substitution cipher, where each letter is consistently assigned a specific number.
From 'MUSIC' (37489) and 'GHAZALS' (6051524), we can create a key: S=4, I=8, L=2, C=9, A=5.
Applying this key to 'SILICA' gives S(4), I(8), L(2), I(8), C(9), A(5).
The resulting code is 482895, which matches this option.

Option A: This option incorrectly uses '3' for the letter 'L'. Based on the code for GHAZALS, 'L' is assigned the number '2'.
Option C: This option incorrectly swaps the codes for 'I' and 'C'. The fourth letter is 'I' (code 8), and the fifth is 'C' (code 9). This option shows 9 and then 8.
Option D: This option contains two errors. It incorrectly uses '3' for 'L' (should be 2) and '9' for the second 'I' (should be 8).

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.
This type of question assesses logical deduction and pattern recognition, which are foundational skills for systematic problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
Attention to detail is critical when deciphering patterns, similar to how a nurse must pay close attention to subtle changes in a patient's vital signs or symptoms.
What if? If the letter 'S' had a different code in 'MUSIC' and 'GHAZALS', it would imply a more complex pattern (e.g., positional coding) rather than direct substitution, requiring a different analytical approach.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the given examples: MUSIC = 37489 and GHAZALS = 6051524.
Determine the coding pattern. Notice that the letter 'S' appears in both words and is consistently coded as '4'. This indicates a direct letter-to-number substitution.
Create a reference key by mapping each letter from the example words to its corresponding number.
Apply this key to the target word, 'SILICA', letter by letter to derive its code.
Compare your derived code with the given options to identify the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

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