In a certain code language, 'MARS' is coded as OCTU and 'GAME' is coded as ICOG. How will 'DRUM' be coded in the same language?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The coding logic is based on a simple alphabetical shift where each letter is moved a fixed number of positions.
By comparing the letters in the examples (M→O, A→C), it's clear that each letter in the original word is replaced by the letter two positions ahead of it in the alphabet.
Applying this '+2' rule to 'DRUM' gives D+2=F, R+2=T, U+2=W, and M+2=O.
The resulting code for 'DRUM' is 'FTWO'.

Option A: This option does not follow the '+2' alphabetical shift pattern established by the examples. For instance, D to S is a +15 shift, not +2.
Option B: This option fails to apply the consistent '+2' shift to any of the letters in 'DRUM'. For example, D to S is +15 and R to K is -7.
Option C: This option correctly applies the rule for the first three letters (F, T, W) but fails on the last one. The code for 'M' should be M+2=O, not 'B'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Coding-Decoding by Letter Shifting as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Logical reasoning skills are essential for critical thinking in any professional field, including nursing, where practitioners must quickly analyze situations and make sound decisions.
Pattern recognition, as demonstrated in this question, is a foundational cognitive skill used in tasks like interpreting vital sign trends, recognizing symptom clusters, or identifying adverse drug reactions.
What if the code for 'MARS' was 'K_PS'? This would imply a '-2' shift (M-2=K, R-2=P, S-2=Q). The answer for 'DRUM' would then be 'BPUM'.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the relationship between the first given word ('MARS') and its code ('OCTU').
Determine the pattern by checking the alphabetical position shift for each corresponding letter (e.g., M is the 13th letter, O is the 15th, so the shift is +2).
Verify this pattern with the second example ('GAME' to 'ICOG') to confirm the rule is consistent.
Once the '+2' shift rule is confirmed, apply it methodically to each letter of the target word 'DRUM'.
Calculate the new letters: D+2=F, R+2=T, U+2=W, M+2=O.
Compare your resulting code ('FTWO') with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

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