Select the equivalent capital letters for the given lowercase string by applying the ATBASH cipher (a↔z, b↔y, …, m↔n) and converting the result to uppercase. Given: hjwlcm Task: Compute Atbash(hjwlcm) and write it in capitals.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: SQDOXN

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This coding–decoding question uses the classic Atbash cipher, where each letter is replaced by its mirror across the alphabet (a↔z, b↔y, c↔x, …, m↔n). After substitution, the result must be written in uppercase.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Cipher: Atbash on the English alphabet.
  • Input: hjwlcm (lowercase).
  • Output must be uppercase.


Concept / Approach:
For each letter x, compute its mirror y such that position(x) + position(y) = 27 (using a=1..z=26). Then convert the mapped string to uppercase.


Step-by-Step Solution:

h → sj → qw → dl → oc → xm → nAtbash(hjwlcm) = sqdoxn → uppercase → SQDOXN


Verification / Alternative check:
Double-apply Atbash to SQDOXN; it returns to HJWLCM, confirming correctness.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • HJWTMN, TRCPXO, SQEOWN: Each contains at least one position that is not the Atbash mirror (e.g., w must map to d, not t or e).


Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking m→n (the middle pair) and swapping the letters order. Work left-to-right applying the mirror rule precisely.


Final Answer:
SQDOXN

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