Uniform backward shift by 4 positions (−4) across letters ABCD : WXYZ :: EFGH : ?
Verbal Reasoning
Analogy
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: ABCD
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This analogy uses a fixed backward displacement. In the example, each letter in ABCD is moved four places backward to give WXYZ. We must apply the same operation to EFGH.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Mapping: A→W, B→X, C→Y, D→Z which is −4 per letter with wrap-around.
- We need EFGH → ? via the same −4 shift.
- Alphabet indexing A=1 … Z=26; wrap-around from A backward goes to W when shifting by 4.
Concept / Approach:Use a uniform Caesar shift of −4 on each character of the source word. Since the shift is constant, apply it letter-by-letter to E, F, G, H.
Step-by-Step Solution:
E → A (E back 4 is A).F → B.G → C.H → D.Therefore, EFGH → ABCD.Verification / Alternative check:Check consistency: adding +4 to ABCD returns EFGH, confirming the inverse relationship.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- STUV/VUTS/ZYXW: These reflect different shifts or reversals and do not correspond to a uniform −4 applied to EFGH.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing mirror (Atbash) with a fixed Caesar shift; reversing order instead of shifting.
Final Answer:ABCD