In a coding system, 'TERM' is written as 'EAFZ' and 'SLACK' as 'GBDIR". How can 'LEAST' be written in this coding system?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Explanation

The coding system uses a direct, fixed substitution cipher, where each letter in the original word is consistently replaced by a specific corresponding letter in the coded word.
From 'SLACK' → 'GBDIR', we find the codes: L → B, A → D, S → G.
From 'TERM' → 'EAFZ', we find the codes: E → A, T → E.
Applying these substitutions to the word 'LEAST' results in L(B) E(A) A(D) S(G) T(E).
Combining the coded letters gives the final answer: BADGE.

Option A: This option incorrectly codes 'A' as 'I', 'S' as 'D', and 'T' as 'E'. The established pattern from the examples is A→D, S→G, and T→E.
Option C: This option correctly codes 'L', 'E', 'A', and 'T' but incorrectly codes 'S' as 'R'. According to the example 'SLACK' → 'GBDIR', the correct code for 'S' is 'G'.
Option D: This option incorrectly codes 'S' as 'I' and 'T' as 'Z'. The established pattern is S→G and T→E.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A flowchart illustrating the step-by-step process of decoding. It would show the two source words ('TERM', 'SLACK') and their codes, leading to a 'Code Key' box. An arrow from the 'Code Key' box would point to the target word 'LEAST', showing the application of the key to arrive at the final answer 'BADGE'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Coding-Decoding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition, which are foundational cognitive skills.
While not directly clinical, these skills are essential for nurses in problem-solving, interpreting data, and making quick, accurate decisions in complex patient care scenarios.
What if the question involved a shifting code (e.g., +1, +2, +3)? The approach would change from direct substitution to identifying the numerical pattern of the shift for each letter's position.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and identify the given examples of words and their codes.
Analyze the relationship between the letters of the original word and the coded word. In this case, 'TERM' -> 'EAFZ' and 'SLACK' -> 'GBDIR'.
Determine the type of coding. Here, it's a direct substitution, meaning each letter consistently maps to another specific letter.
Create a key by listing the letter mappings from the examples (T=E, E=A, R=F, M=Z, S=G, L=B, A=D, C=I, K=R).
Apply this key to the target word, 'LEAST', one letter at a time.
Combine the resulting coded letters (B, A, D, G, E) and compare your result with the given options to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

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