Mirror image of PQ (left to right) is?

Appeared in: RML PRE 2025

Explanation

When an object is viewed in a vertical mirror, it undergoes lateral inversion, meaning the left and right sides are swapped.
The first step is to reverse the order of the characters. 'PQ' becomes 'QP'.
The second step is to horizontally flip each individual character. 'P' would become a mirror image of 'P', and 'Q' would become a mirror image of 'Q'.
Since the options use standard characters, the key transformation being tested is the reversal of the sequence. Therefore, 'QP' is the correct choice.

Option A: This option changes the case of the letters from uppercase ('PQ') to lowercase ('pq'), which is not a mirror image transformation.
Option B: This option incorrectly introduces the character 'C', which is not part of the original string 'PQ'.
Option C: This is the original string itself. A mirror image is a transformation, so the result cannot be identical to the original object unless the object is symmetrical in a specific way, which 'PQ' is not.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Verbal Reasoning - Mirror Images as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning is a critical skill for nurses. It is essential for interpreting patient data, prioritizing tasks, and making sound clinical judgments under pressure.
Problem-solving skills, tested by such questions, help in troubleshooting equipment, identifying the root cause of a patient's change in condition, and adapting care plans.
What if the mirror was placed horizontally? If the mirror were placed horizontally below 'PQ', the result would be a vertical reflection. The sequence 'PQ' would remain, but each letter would be flipped upside down.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the object to be reflected, which is the string 'PQ'.
Next, determine the orientation of the mirror. The question specifies 'left to right', which implies a vertical mirror.
For a vertical mirror, the first step is to reverse the order of the characters in the string. So, 'PQ' becomes 'QP'.
The second step is to mentally flip each character horizontally. 'P' becomes a backward 'P', and 'Q' becomes a backward 'Q'.
Examine the given options. Notice that they consist of standard characters, not perfectly flipped ones.
Select the option that matches the logical transformation. In this case, the reversal of the sequence 'QP' is the intended answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QisjVLJ4Hl7LBLjhEH5hjY

Practise the full RML PRE 2025

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