Coding-Decoding Problem Analysis

This question requires us to identify a specific coding rule based on provided examples and then apply that rule to code a new word. We are given that 'CLOUD' is coded as 'DMUAE' and 'WHITE' is coded as 'XIOUI'. Our goal is to find the code for the word 'WATER'.

To solve this, we need to analyze the relationship between the letters of the original word and the letters of the coded word in the given examples.

Analyzing the Coding Rule from Examples

Let's look at the transformation of each letter in the first example, 'CLOUD' to 'DMUAE'. We can determine the shift in alphabetical position for each letter (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26).

The sequence of shifts for the letters in 'CLOUD' is +1, +1, +6, +6, +1.

Now, let's analyze the second example, 'WHITE' to 'XIOUI', using the same method.

The sequence of shifts for the letters in 'WHITE' is +1, +1, +6, +1, +4.

Deducing the Consistent Coding Rule

We observe that the first three shifts (+1, +1, +6) are the same in both examples. The difference lies in the shifts for the 4th and 5th letters.

Let's look at the letters at each position and their type (vowel or consonant) from both examples:

• Position 1: C (consonant) → +1, W (consonant) → +1. Consonants at Position 1 shift by +1.
• Position 2: L (consonant) → +1, H (consonant) → +1. Consonants at Position 2 shift by +1.
• Position 3: O (vowel) → +6, I (vowel) → +6. Vowels at Position 3 shift by +6.
• Position 4: U (vowel) → +6, T (consonant) → +1. Vowel at Position 4 shifts by +6, consonant at Position 4 shifts by +1.
• Position 5: D (consonant) → +1, E (vowel) → +4. Consonant at Position 5 shifts by +1, vowel at Position 5 shifts by +4.

This pattern suggests the rule depends on the letter's position and whether it is a vowel or consonant. However, looking closer at the vowel shifts across all positions (O, U, I: +6; E: +4), and consonant shifts (C, L, D, W, H, T: +1), a simpler rule emerges based purely on letter type:

• All consonants shift by $+1$.
• Vowels 'A' and 'E' shift by $+4$.
• Vowels 'I', 'O', and 'U' shift by $+6$.

Let's verify this simplified rule with the examples:

• CLOUD: C(con)+1=D, L(con)+1=M, O(vowel IOU)+6=U, U(vowel IOU)+6=A, D(con)+1=E. Result: DMUAE. Matches.
• WHITE: W(con)+1=X, H(con)+1=I, I(vowel IOU)+6=O, T(con)+1=U, E(vowel AE)+4=I. Result: XIOUI. Matches.

This rule is consistent for both examples.

Applying the Rule to WATER

Now we apply the derived rule to the word 'WATER'. The letters and their types are: W (consonant), A (vowel), T (consonant), E (vowel), R (consonant).

• W (consonant): Apply $+1$ shift. W(23) $+1$ = X(24).
• A (vowel 'A'): Apply $+4$ shift. A(1) $+4$ = E(5).
• T (consonant): Apply $+1$ shift. T(20) $+1$ = U(21).
• E (vowel 'E'): Apply $+4$ shift. E(5) $+4$ = I(9).
• R (consonant): Apply $+1$ shift. R(18) $+1$ = S(19).

Combining the coded letters, we get XEUIS.

Conclusion

Following the coding rule where consonants shift by +1, vowels A and E shift by +4, and vowels I, O, U shift by +6, the word 'WATER' is coded as 'XEUIS'.

Revision Table: Letter Coding Shifts Summary

Here is a summary of the coding rule based on letter type:

Additional Information: Mastering Coding Decoding Questions

Coding and decoding questions are a common part of logical reasoning tests. They evaluate your ability to find patterns and apply them consistently. Key strategies include:

• Familiarize yourself with the alphabetical order and easily calculate forward and backward shifts.
• Always analyze all provided examples to find a rule that is consistent across all of them.
• Consider different types of patterns: letter shifts (fixed or varying), letter substitution, position-based rules, vowel/consonant rules, or a combination of these.
• If a rule doesn't fit one example, revisit your analysis or consider a more complex rule.
• Once a rule is confirmed, apply it meticulously to the target word, calculating each letter's transformation.
• Check your final coded word against the given options.

Practice with various types of coding-decoding puzzles will help you recognize patterns more quickly.