Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 4, 2, 1, 3, 2
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question uses a straightforward letter to digit mapping based on a single example. The word MILITARY has been encoded as a digit sequence, and you are asked to use the same mapping to encode TIMLI. The challenge is simply to extract the mapping correctly and then apply it carefully.
Given Data / Assumptions:
MILITARY → 1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7.
We assume each distinct letter has exactly one associated digit, and that mapping stays the same for all words we encode.
Concept / Approach:
We will line up the letters of MILITARY with the digits beneath them to see which digit corresponds to which letter. Then we will write the letters of TIMLI and substitute each letter with its digit from the mapping table. Since TIMLI uses only letters present in MILITARY, no new mapping is necessary.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Write MILITARY with positions: M I L I T A R Y.
Below it, write the given digits: 1 2 3 2 4 5 6 7.
Now read off the mapping: M → 1, I → 2, L → 3, T → 4, A → 5, R → 6, Y → 7.
Now take TIMLI: T I M L I.
Using the mapping, T → 4, I → 2, M → 1, L → 3, I → 2, giving the sequence 4, 2, 1, 3, 2.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the mapping is consistent by checking each letter of MILITARY again. M and I appear more than once (M once, I twice), and they always carry the same digits in the sample code. Applying the mapping back from digits 4, 2, 1, 3, 2 yields T I M L I, confirming the encoding is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other options put the digits in a different order, which would correspond to a different arrangement of letters such as T L M I I or similar words that are not TIMLI. They ignore or violate the letter to digit mapping that is clearly implied in MILITARY → 1, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume digits correspond to positions in the word instead of letters, or to misread a digit. Writing the mapping explicitly prevents confusion, especially when letters repeat. Always double check the mapping table before applying it to the new word.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the word TIMLI is written as 4, 2, 1, 3, 2 in this code.
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