Question

If CAT is coded as BZS, how is DOG coded?

• A. CNF
• B. CPF
• C. DNF
• D. BNF

Answer 1

Answer:

A. CNF

Logic Analysis

• The coding pattern relies on a -1 shift (or preceding letter) for each character in the word.
• C (3rd letter) becomes B (2nd letter) [C - 1 = B].
• A (1st letter) becomes Z (26th letter), indicating a cyclic alphabet shift where 'A' wraps around to 'Z'.
• T (20th letter) becomes S (19th letter) [T - 1 = S].

Decoding Process

1. Take the letter D: Position 4. Subtracting 1 yields 3, which corresponds to C.
2. Take the letter O: Position 15. Subtracting 1 yields 14, which corresponds to N.
3. Take the letter G: Position 7. Subtracting 1 yields 6, which corresponds to F.

Exam Strategy

• Always write down the numerical position of alphabets (A=1, B=2, ... Z=26) on the rough sheet immediately when solving coding-decoding questions.
• Check for simple shifts (+1, -1, +2, -2) first before attempting more complex patterns like reverse orders or vowel-consonant variations.
• Remember the cyclic nature of the English alphabet: A-1=Z and Z+1=A.