Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: DCOP
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Here you are given a code for the word PAGE as QCJI and asked to encode the word CALL using the same pattern. The pattern turns out to involve shifting each letter forward in the alphabet by an increasing number of positions as you move from left to right. This combines alphabet position knowledge with observation of relative shifts and is a standard coding–decoding style in reasoning exams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
We compare the positions of letters in PAGE and QCJI to see how many steps each letter moves forward. By calculating the difference in alphabetical positions for P→Q, A→C, G→J, and E→I, we see a clear numerical sequence. Then we apply that same sequence of shifts to the letters in CALL in order. The main idea is a position-based forward shift with increments 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Determine the numeric positions: P(16), A(1), G(7), E(5).
Step 2: Determine positions for QCJI: Q(17), C(3), J(10), I(9).
Step 3: Compute shifts: P → Q is +1; A → C is +2; G → J is +3; E → I is +4.
Step 4: Observe the pattern: 1st letter +1, 2nd letter +2, 3rd letter +3, 4th letter +4.
Step 5: Now apply the same pattern to CALL. Positions: C(3), A(1), L(12), L(12).
Step 6: 1st letter: C +1 → D(4).
Step 7: 2nd letter: A +2 → C(3).
Step 8: 3rd letter: L +3 → O(15).
Step 9: 4th letter: L +4 → P(16).
Step 10: Combine: D C O P → DCOP.
Verification / Alternative check:
Reapply the pattern to PAGE to ensure consistency: P +1 → Q, A +2 → C, G +3 → J, E +4 → I, which matches the given code QCJI. Also, you can reverse the transformation for DCOP by subtracting 1, 2, 3, and 4 from its letters to get back CALL. This two-way check confirms that our interpretation of the pattern is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (DCOQ) incorrectly shifts the last letter, because P is not obtained by a +4 shift from L under the established pattern. Option C (DDOP) alters the second letter mapping. Option D (DCOR) gives R at the last position, which would require an extra shift beyond +4. Option E (CCOP) changes the first letter mapping. None of these strictly follows the +1, +2, +3, +4 sequence from the original example.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume a fixed shift for every letter instead of noticing the increasing shift pattern. Another mistake is to miscalculate alphabet positions or to forget that after Z the sequence could wrap (although wrapping is not needed here). Writing out the alphabet and counting steps carefully usually avoids these issues.
Final Answer:
Therefore, in the given code language, the word CALL is written as DCOP.
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