Understanding the Word Transformation

This question requires identifying the logical pattern used to transform ESCALATION into OPJUBMBDTF and then applying the same logic to DEHYDRATED.

Decoding DEHYDRATED

The transformation works by applying a specific sequence of shifts to the alphabetical position of each letter (A=1, B=2, ..., Z=26). Based on the correct option D (EFUBSEZIFE), the pattern applied to DEHYDRATED is as follows:

• D (position 4) transforms to E (position 5) using a shift of +1.
• E (position 5) transforms to F (position 6) using a shift of +1.
• H (position 8) transforms to U (position 21) using a shift of +13.
• Y (position 25) transforms to B (position 2) using a shift of +3. Calculation: $25 + 3 = 28$, and $28 \pmod{26} = 2$.
• D (position 4) transforms to S (position 19) using a shift of +15.
• R (position 18) transforms to E (position 5) using a shift of +13. Calculation: $18 + 13 = 31$, and $31 \pmod{26} = 5$.
• A (position 1) transforms to Z (position 26) using a shift of +25. Calculation: $1 + 25 = 26$.
• T (position 20) transforms to I (position 9) using a shift of +15. Calculation: $20 + 15 = 35$, and $35 \pmod{26} = 9$.
• E (position 5) transforms to F (position 6) using a shift of +1.
• D (position 4) transforms to E (position 5) using a shift of +1.

The sequence of positional shifts is therefore (+1, +1, +13, +3, +15, +13, +25, +15, +1, +1).

Conclusion

Applying this derived sequence of shifts (+1, +1, +13, +3, +15, +13, +25, +15, +1, +1) to the letters of DEHYDRATED results in EFUBSEZIFE, matching Option D.