In a certain code, words are encoded using the Atbash substitution (A↔Z, B↔Y, C↔X, ...). If "CERTAIN" is coded as "XVIGZRM" and "SEQUENCE" as "HVJFVMXV", how is "REQUIRED" coded?
Verbal Reasoning
Coding Decoding
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: IVJFRIVW
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Atbash cipher maps each letter to its mirror in the alphabet: A↔Z, B↔Y, C↔X, etc. The examples confirm this exact mapping.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- CERTAIN -> XVIGZRM
- SEQUENCE -> HVJFVMXV
- We need the code for REQUIRED.
Concept / Approach:Apply Atbash per letter: r->i, e->v, q->j, u->f, i->r, r->i, e->v, d->w.
Step-by-Step Solution:R -> IE -> VQ -> JU -> FI -> RR -> IE -> VD -> WThus "REQUIRED" -> "IVJFRIVW".
Verification / Alternative check:Testing random letters from the examples reproduces their given codes, validating the mapping.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- FJIVWVIR / VJIFWTRY / WVJRIFVI: sequences conflict with Atbash at multiple positions.
- None of these: Not required since a correct option exists.
Common Pitfalls:Reversing the word instead of mirroring letters, or applying a Caesar shift. Atbash is a fixed one-to-one mapping.
Final Answer:IVJFRIVW