Two symbol-to-letter decodings are given: 1) “@ # $ % &” decodes to “ARGUE”. 2) “α β γ δ &” decodes to “SOLVE”. Using these as keys, decode the symbol string: “δ @ $% &γ ∠”. What English word does it form?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: VAGUELY

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item provides two known decodings (symbol sequences mapped to English words). From those, we infer individual symbol→letter mappings, then apply them to decode a new symbol string. The skill tested is inferring a cipher key from exemplars and applying it consistently.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “@ # $ % &” → “A R G U E”.
  • “α β γ δ &” → “S O L V E”.
  • Query: decode “δ @ $% &γ ∠”.
  • Assume single, consistent mapping; adjacency like “$%” means two symbols in sequence.


Concept / Approach:
Determine the per-symbol mapping from the two exemplars by aligning positions, then substitute for each symbol in the query. If any symbol appears only in the query (e.g., “∠”), infer the resulting word by dictionary sense-checking against options.


Step-by-Step Solution:

From “@ # $ % &” → “A R G U E”, we get: @→A, #→R, $→G, %→U, &→E.From “α β γ δ &” → “S O L V E”, we get: α→S, β→O, γ→L, δ→V, &→E (consistent with earlier).Now decode the query “δ @ $ % & γ ∠” (note “$%” means “$” then “%”):δ → V@ → A$ → G% → U& → Eγ → L∠ → (unknown yet)So far: V A G U E L _ .Among options, “VAGUELY” completes the pattern, which implies ∠ → Y.


Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check consistency: the partial decoding “VAGUEL” matches a valid English prefix; only “VAGUELY” fits the exact sequence and is offered as an option. No contradictions with prior mappings.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • VAGRANT: Would require R at the third position, but $ maps to G.
  • VAGUELE: Nonstandard word; also final “E” would require “&”, not “∠”.
  • VAGUER: Too short and mismatched ending relative to “γ ∠”.
  • None of these: A correct, dictionary word consistent with the mapping exists (VAGUELY).


Common Pitfalls:
Reading groupings incorrectly (e.g., treating “$%” as one token); mixing earlier, unrelated symbol tables; overlooking that “γ” and “δ” are Greek letters, not Latin; ignoring dictionary validation to resolve a single unknown mapping.


Final Answer:
VAGUELY

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