Instructions: In each of the following, the first and second pair of letters have a specific relationship. Apply the same logic t…

Question

Instructions: In each of the following, the first and second pair of letters have a specific relationship. Apply the same logic to complete the third pair.

WOODLAND : ZIRXOUQX :: PERIODIC : SYUCRXLW :: MAGAZINE : ?

1. A. NUCAQOLP
2. B. LOWXSYCZ
3. C. HERDWBMO
4. D. PUJUCCQY (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — PUJUCCQY

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is PUJUCCQY.

Key Points

• Compare WOODLAND with ZIRXOUQX position by position:
  • W→Z is +3, O→I is −6, O→R is +3, D→X is −6, L→O is +3, A→U is −6, N→Q is +3, D→X is −6
• The rule alternates +3 and −6 across the eight positions.
• Applying it to MAGAZINE:
  • M+3=P, A−6=U, G+3=J, A−6=U, Z+3=C, I−6=C, N+3=Q, E−6=Y
• The code is PUJUCCQY.

Additional Information

• Wrapping matters at both ends: A−6 runs back past A to U (1 − 6 = −5, then +26 = 21), and Z+3 wraps forward to C (26 + 3 = 29, then −26 = 3).
• Alternating shifts are a Tier II staple — after finding the first shift, always check the second position before assuming it is constant.
• Verify the rule on the second worked pair (PERIODIC → SYUCRXLW) before applying it; a rule confirmed on only one example is not confirmed at all.
• Two different source letters can encode to the same letter, as both Z and I reach C here — a repeat in the answer is not an error.