In a certain code language, the word "BLACKSMITH" is coded as "CNBELUNKUJ". Using the same letter-wise shifting pattern, how will the word "CHILDREN" be coded in that language?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: DJJNETFP

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a positional letter-shift coding question. The coding pattern for "BLACKSMITH" is not a simple uniform shift; instead, the amount of shift alternates from letter to letter. Identifying this alternating pattern is the key to finding the correct code for "CHILDREN".



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • "BLACKSMITH" → "CNBELUNKUJ".
  • We must code "CHILDREN".
  • Alphabet positions: A = 1, B = 2, ..., Z = 26.
  • The shift appears to depend on the position of the letter within the word (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).


Concept / Approach:
We compare each letter of "BLACKSMITH" with the corresponding letter of "CNBELUNKUJ". This reveals that the letters at odd positions are shifted by +1, and those at even positions are shifted by +2. After confirming this pattern across the entire word, we apply it position by position to "CHILDREN".



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check the pattern in BLACKSMITH → CNBELUNKUJ. B(2) → C(3): +1 (1st letter). L(12) → N(14): +2 (2nd letter). A(1) → B(2): +1 (3rd letter). C(3) → E(5): +2 (4th letter). K(11) → L(12): +1 (5th letter). S(19) → U(21): +2 (6th letter). M(13) → N(14): +1 (7th letter). I(9) → K(11): +2 (8th letter). T(20) → U(21): +1 (9th letter). H(8) → J(10): +2 (10th letter). Thus, odd positions: +1, even positions: +2. Step 2: Apply the same pattern to CHILDREN. Word: C H I L D R E N. Positions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. C(3) at position 1 (odd): 3 + 1 = 4 → D. H(8) at position 2 (even): 8 + 2 = 10 → J. I(9) at position 3 (odd): 9 + 1 = 10 → J. L(12) at position 4 (even): 12 + 2 = 14 → N. D(4) at position 5 (odd): 4 + 1 = 5 → E. R(18) at position 6 (even): 18 + 2 = 20 → T. E(5) at position 7 (odd): 5 + 1 = 6 → F. N(14) at position 8 (even): 14 + 2 = 16 → P. Step 3: Combine the coded letters. CHILDREN → D J J N E T F P → "DJJNETFP".


Verification / Alternative check:
We have applied the same odd-even pattern that works perfectly for BLACKSMITH. There are no inconsistencies, so this is a strong confirmation that the rule has been correctly identified.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other options alter one or more letters in positions where the fixed +1 or +2 pattern would demand a specific result. For example, if any option does not start with D or does not have J at positions 2 and 3, it cannot match the discovered rule.



Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume a single uniform shift for all letters, which does not fit the BLACKSMITH example. Another pitfall is to miscount positions, especially when alternating patterns are used.



Final Answer:
Using the same alternating shift pattern, "CHILDREN" is coded as DJJNETFP.

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