In a letter value code, the single letter D has a value of 4 and the word DOG has a value of 26 based on the positions of its letters in the alphabet. Using the same coding rule, what is the total coded value of the word ANIMAL?

Introduction / Context:
This coding and decoding problem again uses the popular alphabet position technique where each letter is assigned a numerical value equal to its position in the English alphabet. The value of a word is typically obtained by adding the values of its letters. You are given the codes for D and DOG and must extend the same logic to find the code for ANIMAL.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The letter D has a code value of 4.
• The word DOG has a code value of 26.
• We must calculate the code value of ANIMAL.
• We assume the usual mapping: A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, up to Z = 26.
• The total value of a word is the sum of its letter values.

Concept / Approach:
We first check whether the given examples are consistent with the standard alphabet position mapping. If D and DOG both fit that scheme, then it is safe to use the same method for ANIMAL. This type of question mainly checks attention to detail and basic addition rather than advanced reasoning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Confirm the code for D. In the alphabet, A is the 1st letter, B the 2nd, C the 3rd and D the 4th. So D = 4, agreeing with the question.Step 2: Confirm the code for DOG. The positions are D = 4, O = 15 and G = 7.Step 3: Add these values: 4 + 15 + 7 = 26. This matches the given code for DOG and confirms the rule.Step 4: Now apply the same method to ANIMAL. Find the positions: A = 1, N = 14, I = 9, M = 13, A = 1, L = 12.Step 5: Add the values step by step. First 1 + 14 = 15.Step 6: Then 15 + 9 = 24; 24 + 13 = 37; 37 + 1 = 38; 38 + 12 = 50.Step 7: Therefore, the coded value of ANIMAL is 50.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by re-adding the numbers with a different grouping, such as (1 + 9 + 1) + (14 + 13 + 12) = 11 + 39 = 50. Since both methods give 50, the arithmetic is correct. Also, because D and DOG clearly fit the alphabet sum pattern, applying the same rule to ANIMAL is logically consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The options 47, 48 and 49 represent sums that are slightly smaller than the true total, which might result from dropping or miscounting one letter value. The option 52 is larger than the correct sum, perhaps arising from adding an extra value by mistake. Only 50 exactly matches the sum of the positions for A, N, I, M, A and L.

Common Pitfalls:
Miscounting alphabetical positions, especially for letters beyond M, or making small addition errors are the most frequent problems. Sometimes students assume more complex rules even when a simple sum of letter values is sufficient. Writing down the letter positions clearly and adding them carefully step by step helps to avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
Using the letter position sum rule, the coded value of ANIMAL is 50.