Introduction / Context:
This puzzle combines alphabet positions with a repeating numerical pattern. Instead of assigning each letter its usual place value (such as A = 1, B = 2, and so on), the question defines a special code where letters cycle through the values 4, 3, and 2. The task is to decode the given word SICK using this pattern and then add the numerical values of its letters. Questions like this test your attention to patterns, your ability to extend a sequence, and your skill in mapping letters to numbers correctly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The mapping is defined as A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 4, E = 3, F = 2.
- The pattern 4, 3, 2 repeats continuously through the alphabet.
- The word to be evaluated is SICK.
- We assume standard alphabet order: A is the 1st letter, B the 2nd, up to Z as the 26th.
- We need the sum of the coded values of S, I, C, and K.
Concept / Approach:
The core idea is to see that the code uses a repeating cycle of length three: 4, 3, 2, then again 4, 3, 2, and so on. That means letters whose positions differ by 3 share the same value. Once you know the position number of a letter in the alphabet, you can determine where it falls in the cycle by using remainders when divided by 3. After finding the individual values for S, I, C, and K, you simply add them to get the total asked in the question.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the cycle: A (1) = 4, B (2) = 3, C (3) = 2, D (4) = 4, E (5) = 3, F (6) = 2, and so on.
Step 2: Write the alphabet positions of the letters in SICK. S is the 19th letter, I is the 9th, C is the 3rd, and K is the 11th.
Step 3: Because the cycle has length three, use the remainder when each position is divided by 3 to identify its value: remainder 1 maps to 4, remainder 2 maps to 3, and remainder 0 maps to 2.
Step 4: For S (19), 19 divided by 3 gives remainder 1, so S has value 4.
Step 5: For I (9), 9 divided by 3 has remainder 0, so I has value 2.
Step 6: For C (3), 3 divided by 3 also has remainder 0, so C has value 2.
Step 7: For K (11), 11 divided by 3 has remainder 2, so K has value 3.
Step 8: Add all the values: 4 (S) + 2 (I) + 2 (C) + 3 (K) = 11.
Verification / Alternative check:
As an additional check, you can extend the explicit mapping a bit further. After F (6) = 2, G (7) = 4, H (8) = 3, I (9) = 2, J (10) = 4, K (11) = 3, and L (12) = 2. This confirms the values for I and K directly from the sequence. Doing so shows that S, which is the 19th letter, lands on the same pattern position as A, D, G, J, and M that all have value 4. This consistency confirms that the total of 11 is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The totals 12, 10, and 9 arise if you misread the pattern, forget that it repeats every three letters, or assign simple alphabetical values instead of the coded ones. For example, using A = 1, B = 2 style coding or making a mistake on one letter value will shift the final sum to an incorrect option.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume the values are based on alphabetical position only or to think they change linearly. Another pitfall is to stop the pattern after F instead of repeating it, which leads to guessing for later letters. To avoid mistakes, always write out the cycle clearly and use division by 3 to place each letter correctly within that cycle. Careful calculation for each letter prevents small slips that could change the total.
Final Answer:
The total of the numerical values of the letters in the word SICK under the given code is
11.
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