Alternating Caesar shift (−3, +3): Corden : zrogbq :: ? : pxivro

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: sulsul

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This analogy uses an alternating Caesar shift, switching direction on each successive letter. Recognizing alternating operations is essential in decoding many exam-style letter coding problems.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Corden → zrogbq.
  • We must find a word that transforms to pxivro under the same rule.
  • Pattern observed in the first pair appears to be −3, +3, −3, +3, … per letter.


Concept / Approach:
Verify the alternating pattern on the first mapping, then invert the process to recover the preimage for pxivro. Use A=1 … Z=26 and modular wrap-around.


Step-by-Step Solution:

C→z (−3), o→r (+3), r→o (−3), d→g (+3), e→b (−3), n→q (+3). Pattern confirmed.To get pxivro, invert letter-by-letter: positions 1,3,5 were “−3,” so original = encoded +3; positions 2,4,6 were “+3,” so original = encoded −3.1: p→s, 2: x→u, 3: i→l, 4: v→s, 5: r→u, 6: o→l.Thus the original word is sulsul.


Verification / Alternative check:
Apply the forward alternating rule to “sulsul”: s→p (−3), u→x (+3), l→i (−3), s→v (+3), u→r (−3), l→o (+3). This reproduces pxivro exactly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • mulmul/munmun/srspql: None produce pxivro when the exact alternating −3/+3 rule is applied throughout.


Common Pitfalls:
Applying a constant shift to all letters, or reversing the alternation mid-word. Keep careful track of positions and signs.


Final Answer:
sulsul

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