In a certain code language. If TREE is SQDD, which of the below options will be CUSHION?

Appeared in: PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

Explanation

The coding pattern is a simple backward shift, where each letter is replaced by the one preceding it in the alphabet (a -1 shift).
This is demonstrated with the example TREE, where T becomes S, R becomes Q, and E becomes D, all by moving one step back in the alphabet.
Applying this same -1 shift rule to each letter of the word CUSHION results in the code BTRGHNM.

Option B: This option incorrectly mixes different shift patterns. For example, the second letter 'U' is shifted forward by one position to 'V' (+1 shift), which contradicts the established -1 shift rule.
Option C: This option represents a consistent +1 (forward) shift for every letter (e.g., C becomes D, U becomes V). This is the direct opposite of the -1 (backward) shift pattern required by the question's example.
Option D: This option applies the shift pattern inconsistently. While the first few letters are correct (C→B, U→T, S→R), it incorrectly shifts 'I' forward to 'J' (+1) and 'O' forward to 'P' (+1).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning - Coding-Decoding by Letter Shifting as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a logical reasoning question, not a clinical one. The skills tested are pattern recognition and logical deduction, which are valuable for critical thinking and problem-solving in any field, including nursing.
What if? - If the code for TREE was UFFS, the pattern would be a +1 (forward) shift. In that case, the correct answer for CUSHION would be DVTIJPO.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the letters of the given word (TREE) and its code (SQDD).
Compare the alphabetical position of each letter in the word with the corresponding letter in the code. For example, T is the 20th letter and S is the 19th; R is the 18th and Q is the 17th.
Identify the consistent pattern: each letter is shifted one position backward in the alphabet (a -1 shift).
Apply this established -1 shift rule to every letter of the target word, CUSHION.
Calculate the new letters: C(3)→B(2), U(21)→T(20), S(19)→R(18), H(8)→G(7), I(9)→H(8), O(15)→N(14), N(14)→M(13).
Select the option that matches the resulting code, which is BTRGHNM.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QGuKCDtGzuMwkpfhvtHpXw

Practise the full PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

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