In a certain code, APRIL is written as BQSJM. What is the word whose code is HSFFO?

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

Explanation

The core concept is a simple substitution cipher where each letter is shifted.
The given example 'APRIL' -> 'BQSJM' establishes a consistent pattern of shifting each letter one position forward in the alphabet (e.g., A -> B, P -> Q).
To find the original word from the code 'HSFFO', the reverse operation is required.
Applying a one-position backward shift to each letter of 'HSFFO' (H-1=G, S-1=R, F-1=E, F-1=E, O-1=N) correctly reveals the word 'GREEN'.

Option A: Decoding 'HSFFO' does not result in 'INDIA'. For example, H-1 is G, not I.
Option B: Decoding 'HSFFO' does not result in 'GREAT'. While the first letter 'G' matches, the subsequent letters do not (S-1 is R, not R; F-1 is E, not E; F-1 is E, not A; O-1 is N, not T).
Option C: Decoding 'HSFFO' does not result in 'TREES'. For example, H-1 is G, not T.

Visual 1: Flowchart. A flowchart could illustrate the two-step process: first, analyzing the 'APRIL' to 'BQSJM' relationship to find the '+1' rule, and second, applying the reverse '-1' rule to 'HSFFO' to find 'GREEN'.

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 question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are fundamental cognitive skills.
While not directly clinical, these skills are crucial for nurses in diagnostic reasoning, interpreting patient data trends, and making quick, logical decisions in complex situations.
What if the code was 'CNQHK'? The pattern would be -1 (C-1=B, N-1=M, etc.), and to decode 'HSFFO', you would apply a +1 shift, resulting in 'ITGGP'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the relationship between the given word ('APRIL') and its corresponding code ('BQSJM').
Identify the pattern by comparing each letter and its coded counterpart (A->B, P->Q). Notice it's a consistent shift.
Determine the rule of the cipher. In this case, each letter is shifted one position forward in the alphabet.
Recognize that the question asks for the original word from a given code, which means you need to apply the reverse of the rule.
Apply this reverse rule (shifting one position backward) to each letter of the code 'HSFFO'.
Combine the resulting letters to form the final word and select the matching option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qcc10SjG3Y_WDua4FMJnVO

Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

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