In a certain code F=6, MAT 34, then CAR=?

Appeared in: DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

Explanation

The pattern assigns a numerical value to each letter corresponding to its position in the English alphabet (A=1, B=2, C=3...).
The value for a word is calculated by summing the numerical values of each of its letters.
The given examples confirm this pattern: F is the 6th letter, and MAT = 13 (M) + 1 (A) + 20 (T) = 34.
Applying this rule to CAR results in the calculation: C (3) + A (1) + R (18) = 22.

Option A: This is an incorrect sum. It might result from a calculation error, such as using 17 for R instead of 18 (3 + 1 + 17 = 21).
Option C: This is an incorrect sum. This value could be reached through various miscalculations, such as misremembering the value of R as 21 (U) instead of 18 (3 + 1 + 21 = 25).
Option D: This is an incorrect sum. It represents a simple arithmetic error when adding the correct positional values.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Alphabetical Coding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This type of question assesses logical and deductive reasoning, a foundational skill for nurses in clinical problem-solving, interpreting data, and making sound decisions.
While not directly clinical, the ability to quickly identify patterns is analogous to recognizing patterns in patient symptoms or vital sign trends.
What if? If the code used reverse alphabetical order (Z=1, Y=2, etc.), the calculation for CAR would be C(24) + A(26) + R(9) = 59.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the given examples to decipher the coding pattern. The examples are F=6 and MAT=34.
Recognize that 'F' is the 6th letter of the English alphabet. This suggests the code is based on alphabetical position.
Verify this hypothesis with the second example, 'MAT'. Find the positions of M (13), A (1), and T (20).
Sum these positions: 13 + 1 + 20 = 34. This matches the given value, confirming the pattern.
Now, apply the confirmed rule to the target word, 'CAR'.
Find the sum of the positions for C (3), A (1), and R (18), which equals 22.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QGP4RgVcU3-hwB-5W70IaA

Practise the full DHS Staff Nurse - 2018 (Shift-2nd)

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