Atbash (mirror-alphabet) cipher: BLOCKED : YOLXPVW :: ? : OZFMXS

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: LAUNCH

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This analogy employs the classic Atbash (mirror-alphabet) cipher, where each letter maps to its mirror from the opposite end of the alphabet (A↔Z, B↔Y, C↔X, …). Recognizing Atbash is useful in many coding-decoding contexts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • BLOCKED encodes to YOLXPVW under Atbash.
  • We must find a word that encodes to OZFMXS under the same mapping.
  • Atbash is its own inverse; applying it twice returns the original text.


Concept / Approach:
To decode OZFMXS, apply Atbash to each letter: original = mirror of encoded. Then match the resulting plaintext to one of the options.


Step-by-Step Solution:

O↔L, Z↔A, F↔U, M↔N, X↔C, S↔H.Thus, OZFMXS decodes to LAUNCH.Check: Apply Atbash to LAUNCH → OZFMXS, confirming the mapping.


Verification / Alternative check:
Because Atbash is an involution, encoding and decoding are identical operations. One forward pass suffices to verify both directions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • DEBATE/RESULT/LABOR: Their Atbash encodings do not equal OZFMXS; each produces a different 6-letter string.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing Atbash with Caesar shifts or forgetting it maps A↔Z, B↔Y, etc. Always write the mirror pairs or remember the formula: position′ = 27 − position.


Final Answer:
LAUNCH

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