Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: TUBOCZQC
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question uses a position-based shifting pattern rather than a single uniform shift. The word "REMINDER" has eight letters, and its code "SFNJMCDQ" shows that the first half and second half are treated differently. You must identify this positional pattern and apply it to another eight-letter word, "STANDARD".
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
We compare each letter of "REMINDER" with its coded counterpart. Doing so reveals that the first four letters are shifted forward by one, while the last four letters are shifted backward by one. This alternating direction of shift between the two halves is the key to the code.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break REMINDER into two halves.
REMINDER → R E M I | N D E R.
Code → S F N J | M C D Q.
Step 2: Examine the first half (R, E, M, I → S, F, N, J).
R (18) → S (19): +1.
E (5) → F (6): +1.
M (13) → N (14): +1.
I (9) → J (10): +1.
All first four letters are shifted forward by 1.
Step 3: Examine the second half (N, D, E, R → M, C, D, Q).
N (14) → M (13): −1.
D (4) → C (3): −1.
E (5) → D (4): −1.
R (18) → Q (17): −1.
The last four letters are shifted backward by 1.
Step 4: Apply the same pattern to STANDARD.
STANDARD → S T A N | D A R D.
First half (shift +1):
S (19) → T (20).
T (20) → U (21).
A (1) → B (2).
N (14) → O (15).
So first half becomes T U B O.
Second half (shift −1):
D (4) → C (3).
A (1) → Z (26) when moving one step backward.
R (18) → Q (17).
D (4) → C (3).
So second half becomes C Z Q C.
Step 5: Combine both halves: TUBO + CZQC = "TUBOCZQC".
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute this method back into "REMINDER" to ensure the pattern works perfectly for all eight letters. Since the shifts match for every letter there, it is safe to apply the same rule to "STANDARD".
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Other choices either change the direction of shift for some letters or break the +1 / −1 split between the first and second halves. For example, an option that does not end with C cannot be correct because the last letter D must shift backward by 1.
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates assume a single shift (like +1) for the entire word and fail to notice that the later letters move in the opposite direction. Always check multiple letter pairs across the entire word to detect such half-and-half patterns.
Final Answer:
Under the same coding rule, "STANDARD" is written as TUBOCZQC.
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