If "TABLECLOTH" is coded as "XEMRANRIXT" by a fixed letter-to-letter substitution based on positions in that specific word, then using the same mapping, how is "HOTEL" coded?

Introduction / Context:
Some coding problems use a word-specific positional mapping rather than a universal shift. Here, "TABLECLOTH" is mapped to "XEMRANRIXT" position by position. We must reuse that mapping for any letter that appears in "TABLECLOTH".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• TABLECLOTH -> XEMRANRIXT
• We need code for "HOTEL". Every letter H, O, T, E, L appears in the source word.

Concept / Approach:
Create a direct mapping from each source letter to its coded counterpart by aligning positions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Positions: T A B L E C L O T HCodes: X E M R A N R I X THence the map: T->X, A->E, B->M, L->R, E->A, C->N, O->I, H->T.For "HOTEL": H->T, O->I, T->X, E->A, L->R giving "TIXAR".

Verification / Alternative check:
Rechecking the pairwise mapping confirms consistency for repeated letters L and T in the source.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• RIXAT / TAXIR / RAXIT: These are permutations of the correct letters, but the order dictated by H,O,T,E,L is unique and yields TIXAR.
• None of these: Not applicable.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming a Caesar shift, or confusing a many-to-one mapping. This cipher is strictly positional for the letters present in the key word.

Final Answer:
TIXAR