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:
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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