The question presents a letter coding analogy. We need to find the relationship between the first pair of words (RATS : XGZY) and apply the same logic to the second word (RIPE) to find the missing code.

Analyzing RATS : XGZY Pattern

We examine the relationship between the letters of 'RATS' and 'XGZY' based on their positions in the English alphabet.

• R is the 18^th letter. X is the 24^th letter. (18 + 6 = 24)
• A is the 1^st letter. G is the 7^th letter. (1 + 6 = 7)
• T is the 20^th letter. Z is the 26^th letter. (20 + 6 = 26)
• S is the 19^th letter. Y is the 25^th letter. (19 + 6 = 25)

The pattern is that each letter in the original word is replaced by the letter 6 positions after it in the alphabet.

Applying Pattern to RIPE

We apply the same "+6" logic to the letters of 'RIPE':

• R (18^th letter) + 6 positions = 24^th letter, which is X.
• I (9^th letter) + 6 positions = 15^th letter, which is O.
• P (16^th letter) + 6 positions = 22^nd letter, which is V.
• E (5^th letter) + 6 positions = 11^th letter, which is K.

Therefore, 'RIPE' corresponds to 'XOV K'.