Question

Coding Decoding: If in a certain code language, "APPLE" is written as "BQQMF", how would "MANGO" be written in the same code?

• A. NBPHP
• B. NBOHP
• C. NCPHQ
• D. MBOHP

Hint:

Write the alphabet with a position number beside each letter (A=1, B=2, and so on), then compare the given word with its coded form letter by letter to find the shift. Confirm that the same shift works for every single letter before applying it to the new word, since some coding questions change the shift partway through.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Problem Identification
Coding-decoding problems involve replacing letters in a word with others according to a defined pattern. The example "APPLE" coded as "BQQMF" demonstrates a letter-for-letter substitution. The objective is to discern this pattern and apply it to "MANGO."

Step 2: Pattern Analysis
Comparing "APPLE" and "BQQMF" position by position reveals the following correspondences:

• A → B
• P → Q
• P → Q
• L → M
• E → F

A common coding method is a fixed alphabetical shift. Examining the shifts: A to B (+1), P to Q (+1), L to M (+1), and E to F (+1). The consistent +1 shift indicates the rule is to advance each letter by one position in the alphabet.

Step 3: Pattern Verification
Applying the +1 shift rule to "APPLE" confirms the pattern:

• A + 1 = B
• P + 1 = Q
• P + 1 = Q
• L + 1 = M
• E + 1 = F

This yields "BQQMF," validating the +1 shift rule.

Step 4: Application to "MANGO"
Encoding "MANGO" using the established +1 shift rule:

• M → N
• A → B
• N → O
• G → H
• O → P

Therefore, "MANGO" is encoded as "NBOHP."

Step 5: Conclusion
The coded equivalent of "MANGO," based on a +1 letter shift, is NBOHP.

Problem-Solving Tips

• Identify Patterns: Determine if the letter shift is uniform or variable.
• Utilize the Alphabet: Referencing the alphabet aids in tracking letter positions and shifts.
• Practice: Reinforce understanding by encoding additional words with the same rule.
• Review: Cross-check the result, potentially by reversing the coding process.