Digit-to-symbol substitution (numbers → symbols): 1 → !, 2 → @, 3 → #, 4 → $, 5 → %, 6 → ^, 7 → &, 8 → *, 9 → +. Using this mapping, how is the number 15384 written in code?
Correct Answer: ! % # * $
Introduction / Context:Here, each digit 1–9 has a unique symbol. The job is to encode a multi-digit number by simple position-wise substitution. This tests exact recall of the mapping and preservation of order without inserting or omitting symbols.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Mapping: 1→!, 2→@, 3→#, 4→$, 5→%, 6→^, 7→&, 8→*, 9→+.
- Target numeral: 15384.
- No spaces are required mathematically, but options display spaces for readability; we match their display style.
Concept / Approach:Apply direct substitution left-to-right, digit by digit, strictly using the provided mapping. No arithmetic is performed.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1 → !5 → %3 → #8 → *4 → $Hence 15384 → ! % # * $.Verification / Alternative check:Re-read the mapping to ensure each symbol corresponds to the intended digit and that the sequence order matches 1-5-3-8-4. Everything aligns exactly with option “! % # * $”.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- ! $ # ^ &: Maps 5→% incorrectly as $, and 8→* incorrectly as ^; also ends with “&” which is 7, not 4.
- & $ # @ ^: Begins with 7 (“&”) not 1; contains 2 (“@”) and 6 (“^”) which are absent in 15384.
- * $ % ^ &: Starts with 8, not 1; includes 6 and 7 which are not in the target.
- None of these: The correct encoding is present, so this is invalid.
Common Pitfalls:Copying symbols out of order, confusing similar-looking symbols, or attempting to compress consecutive symbols. Maintain a strict one-to-one, position-wise mapping.
Final Answer:! % # * $