If POND is coded as RSTL, how is HEAR written in that code?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

Explanation

The question requires identifying a non-linear coding pattern where the alphabetical shift increases for each subsequent letter.
The pattern is determined by finding the alphabetical distance between the letters of the word 'POND' and its code 'RSTL'.
The rule is to shift the first letter by +2, the second by +4, the third by +6, and the fourth by +8.
Applying this rule to 'HEAR' results in: H (+2) → J, E (+4) → I, A (+6) → G, R (+8) → Z.
Therefore, the correct coded word is 'JIGZ'.

Option A: This option does not follow the established pattern. For instance, G is H-1, not H+2.
Option B: This option correctly codes the first and last letters but fails on the middle two. The second letter should be E+4=I, not H.
Option D: This option only gets the first letter correct. The subsequent letters do not follow the +4, +6, +8 pattern.

Visual 1: Infographic - A flowchart showing the step-by-step application of the +2, +4, +6, +8 rule to both 'POND' and 'HEAR' to derive the coded words.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Coding-Decoding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Logical reasoning skills are essential for nurses to analyze patient data, identify patterns in symptoms, and make sound clinical judgments quickly.
This type of problem-solving helps in developing the critical thinking needed for tasks like interpreting lab results or adjusting care plans based on changing patient conditions.
What if the pattern was a simple +2 shift for all letters? Then HEAR would be coded as JGCT.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the given word (POND) and its code (RSTL).
Identify the pattern by checking the alphabetical distance between each corresponding letter (P to R, O to S, etc.).
Notice that the distance increases for each letter: P is shifted by 2, O by 4, N by 6, and D by 8.
Once the pattern (+2, +4, +6, +8) is established, apply the same rule to the new word (HEAR).
Calculate the new letters: H+2=J, E+4=I, A+6=G, R+8=Z.
Select the option that matches the resulting code (JIGZ).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Ahmedabad-2015

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