In a certain encryption pattern, the word HARD is coded as 1357 and the word SOFT is coded as 2468. Using the same coding logic, what original word is represented by the code 21448?

Introduction / Context:
This question gives you letter-to-digit encodings for the words HARD and SOFT, and then asks you to decode a new sequence of digits, 21448, back into a word. It tests your ability to recognise a consistent mapping between letters and digits and to apply it in reverse. This is a common style of coding–decoding question where you must both encode and decode using the same mapping.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• HARD → 1357.
• SOFT → 2468.
• We assume a one-to-one mapping between letters and digits.
• Code to decode: 21448.
• The resulting word will be a meaningful English word formed from the same letters that appear in HARD and SOFT.

Concept / Approach:
We first determine which digit corresponds to which letter using HARD and SOFT. Then we apply this mapping in reverse to the code 21448. Because each digit is mapped to a single letter, we can reconstruct the original word letter by letter. This is a purely substitution-based decoding problem; the order of digits in 21448 directly gives the order of letters in the target word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: From HARD → 1 3 5 7, map H → 1, A → 3, R → 5, D → 7. Step 2: From SOFT → 2 4 6 8, map S → 2, O → 4, F → 6, T → 8. Step 3: Now list the digits in 21448: 2, 1, 4, 4, 8. Step 4: Replace each digit with its corresponding letter: 2 → S, 1 → H, 4 → O, 4 → O, 8 → T. Step 5: Combine these letters: S H O O T → SHOOT.

Verification / Alternative check:
Re-encode SHOOT using the mapping: S → 2, H → 1, O → 4, O → 4, T → 8, giving 21448 again. Also confirm that HARD and SOFT still map to 1357 and 2468 respectively. Because all mappings are consistent and reversible, the decoded word SHOOT is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (SHAFT) would be encoded as S H A F T → 2 1 3 6 8, which is 21368, not 21448. Option C (RAFTS) becomes R A F T S → 5 3 6 8 2 = 53682. Option D (ROOTS) becomes R O O T S → 5 4 4 8 2 = 54482. Option E (SHIFT) would encode as S H I F T, but we have no mapping for I in the given code, so it cannot be formed at all. Only SHOOT reconstructs 21448 exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to guess the word from meaning without decoding each digit carefully, which might lead you to choose a plausible but incorrect English word. Another mistake is to misassign digits when building the mapping. Always write a quick table and decode digit by digit before looking at the options, then see which option matches your decoded result.

Final Answer:
Thus, the code 21448 stands for the word SHOOT in this encryption pattern.