In a certain code language, "TORN" is coded as "1285", "RENT" is coded as "1285". What is the code for 'E' in that language?

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

By comparing the words 'TORN' and 'RENT', we find that the letters T, R, and N are common to both.
The letter 'E' in 'RENT' replaces the letter 'O' in 'TORN'.
Since the code '1285' remains the same for both words, the code for 'E' must be the digit that remains after assigning codes to the common letters (T, R, N).
The letters in 'RENT' are {R, E, N, T} and the digits in the code are {1, 2, 8, 5}.
By elimination, the unique letter 'E' corresponds to the remaining unique digit, which is 5.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests logical reasoning skills, specifically the ability to solve a coding-decoding problem by comparing elements as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This type of logical reasoning question is included in nursing entrance exams to assess a candidate's problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, which are essential skills for a nurse.
Nurses must be able to analyze information, identify patterns, and make logical deductions in clinical settings, such as interpreting patient symptoms or lab results.
What if? If the code for 'RENT' was '1295' instead of '1285', the logic would change. The common letters (T, R, N) would correspond to the common digits (1, 2, 5), and the unique letter 'E' would correspond to the unique digit '9'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully write down the words and their corresponding codes.
Compare the two words to identify which letters are common and which are unique.
Compare the codes. In this case, the codes are identical.
Formulate a hypothesis: The common letters correspond to a subset of the digits, and the unique letter corresponds to the remaining digit.
Use the process of elimination. Since T, R, and N are common, their codes will take up three of the four digits in '1285'.
The remaining letter, 'E', must correspond to the one digit that is left over.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests logical reasoning skills, specifically the ability to solve a coding-decoding problem by comparing elements.
Stem keywords: code language, TORN, RENT, 1285
Lead-in keywords: What is the code for

QBX38-mBkOECz6blU6uXw-

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