Atbash mapping (mirror alphabet) on each letter ACFJ : ZXUQ :: EGIN : ?
Verbal Reasoning
Analogy
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: VTRM
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Here the relation uses the Atbash (mirror) cipher: each letter maps to its symmetric counterpart in the alphabet (A↔Z, B↔Y, C↔X, etc.).
Given Data / Assumptions:
- ACFJ maps to ZXUQ.
- We apply the same mirror mapping to EGIN.
- Alphabet symmetry pairs sum to 27 if A=1 … Z=26.
Concept / Approach:For any letter L with numeric value n, its mirror is 27−n. Do this for each letter independently to transform the word.
Step-by-Step Solution:
E(5) → V(22) because 5+22=27.G(7) → T(20) because 7+20=27.I(9) → R(18) because 9+18=27.N(14) → M(13) because 14+13=27.Thus, EGIN → VTRM.Verification / Alternative check:Applying the mirror mapping again to VTRM returns EGIN, showing the mapping is its own inverse.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- VUSQ/UTRP/VRPM: Each has at least one letter that does not satisfy the 27-sum mirror rule for E, G, I, N.
Common Pitfalls:Attempting constant forward/backward shifts; forgetting that Atbash maps A→Z, not A→W.
Final Answer:VTRM