In a certain code 'STOVE' is written as 'FNBLK' then how will 'VOTES' be written in the same code?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The problem is a type of jumbled coding, where the letters of the target word ('VOTES') are the same as the source word ('STOVE'), just in a different order.
This indicates a direct letter-for-letter substitution based on the position in the given example.
From 'STOVE' -> 'FNBLK', the mapping is: S=F, T=N, O=B, V=L, and E=K.
Applying this mapping to 'VOTES' gives: V=L, O=B, T=N, E=K, S=F.
Arranging these codes in the new order results in 'LBNKF'.

Option A: This option, 'FLKBN', incorrectly arranges the coded letters. It would correspond to the word 'SEVOT', not 'VOTES'.
Option C: This option, 'LKNBF', is an incorrect sequence of the correct coded letters. It corresponds to the word 'VEOTS', not 'VOTES'.
Option D: This option, 'LNBKF', is an incorrect sequence of the correct coded letters. It corresponds to the word 'VOTSE', not 'VOTES'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Coding-Decoding (Jumbled/Direct Substitution) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Logical reasoning questions are a standard component of nursing entrance exams to assess a candidate's ability to identify patterns, apply rules, and think critically.
While not directly clinical, these skills are foundational for effective problem-solving in nursing, such as interpreting patient data, recognizing changes in condition, and following complex treatment protocols.
What if? - If the target word was 'TOES', using the same logic, the code would be T=N, O=B, E=K, S=F, resulting in 'NBKF'.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the letters in the source word ('STOVE') and the target word ('VOTES').
Recognize that both words contain the exact same set of letters: {E, O, S, T, V}.
This observation is the key clue that the problem involves direct substitution (jumbled coding), not a letter-shifting pattern (e.g., +2, -3).
Create a direct mapping from the source word to its code: S -> F, T -> N, O -> B, V -> L, E -> K.
Apply this established mapping to the letters of the target word 'VOTES' in their specific order.
Combine the resulting codes (L, B, N, K, F) to form the final answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

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