In a particular code language, the word HAT is coded as 'jcv'. Using the same pattern of letter shifting, what will be the code for the word GUN?

Introduction / Context:
This question uses a direct alphabet shift to code words. The example HAT is coded as jcv. All letters are simply shifted forward in the alphabet by a fixed number of positions, and they are shown in lowercase in the code. Our job is to identify the amount of shift used for HAT and then apply the same shift to GUN to find its code.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• HAT is written as jcv in the coded form.
• The number of letters remains the same and only letters are shifted.
• The shift appears to be uniform for each letter of the word.
• Coded letters are shown in lowercase, but the case itself does not affect the pattern.

Concept / Approach:
We first compare each letter of HAT with its coded form jcv. By counting the steps forward in the alphabet, we can see whether the shift is constant. Once we know the shift value, we apply it to each letter of GUN. This is a straightforward Caesar-style cipher question, commonly used to check basic comfort with alphabet positions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Compare H to j. In the alphabet, H is the 8th letter and J is the 10th letter. So H moves forward by 2 positions to become J. Step 2: Compare A to c. A is the 1st letter, C is the 3rd letter, so again it moves forward by 2 positions. Step 3: Compare T to v. T is the 20th letter, V is the 22nd letter, so this is also a +2 shift. Step 4: Therefore, the rule is: for each letter in the original word, move 2 letters forward in the alphabet and then write it in lowercase. Step 5: Apply this to GUN. G is the 7th letter; adding 2 gives I (9th letter) -> 'i'. U is the 21st letter; adding 2 gives W (23rd) -> 'w'. N is the 14th letter; adding 2 gives P (16th) -> 'p'. Step 6: Combine these to get iwp as the code for GUN.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly reconfirm by reversing the shift. From iwp, shifting each letter 2 steps backward gives GUN: i -> g, w -> u, p -> n. This confirms that the code iwp is consistent with the described rule and matches the pattern used for HAT to jcv.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: IKM does not result from a uniform +2 shift of GUN and also mixes uppercase letters. Option C: kip treats only some letters with the correct shift while misplacing others. Option D: klp does not match the correct shifted sequence of letters. Option E: ivp shifts G correctly but fails to apply the rule to U.

Common Pitfalls:
Typical errors include shifting by 1 instead of 2, miscounting letters when wrapping around the alphabet, or ignoring case patterns. Writing the alphabet on paper or mentally mapping letter positions helps ensure accurate counting. Always check each letter separately rather than relying on a quick visual guess.

Final Answer:
The correct code for GUN in this language is iwp.