In a particular substitution, TEACHER is written as ZYXDOYK and RAIL as KXQM. Using the same one-to-one letter mapping, how is CHAIR written?
Correct Answer: DOXQK
Introduction / Context:This is a monoalphabetic substitution puzzle. Two examples provide enough letter pairs to deduce the mapping required to encode a new word consistently.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- TEACHER → ZYXDOYK gives mappings: T→Z, E→Y, A→X, C→D, H→O, R→K.
- RAIL → KXQM supplies: R→K (confirms), A→X (confirms), I→Q, L→M.
- One-to-one mapping; no position-based changes.
Concept / Approach:Compile the mapping dictionary from the examples, then encode the target word by direct substitution character by character.
Step-by-Step Solution:c → D (from TEACHER)h → O (from TEACHER)a → X (from both examples)i → Q (from RAIL)r → K (from both examples)Therefore, chair → DOXQK.
Verification / Alternative check:Cross-check that every letter used in CHAIR has an established unique mapping from the examples, ensuring consistency.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- DOQXK / DOKQX / DQOXK: These involve letter-order swaps that contradict the strict per-letter substitution order derived from the mapping.
Common Pitfalls:Inferring shifts or pair swaps instead of a fixed substitution; changing the order of letters rather than mapping each in place.
Final Answer:DOXQK