Coding, Decoding, and Reasoning: Questions Tricks & More

What Is Coding, Decoding and Reasoning?

All three terms could be a bit complex to understand, so let's learn each one with the help of its definitions.

Coding is a part of the logical reasoning section used to encrypt words and numbers in specific patterns or codes using particular rules and regulations.

Decoding is the process used to decrypt the patterns into original forms from the given forms. 

The Reasoning is designed to measure the aptitude or ability of a person logically.

Now, you will clearly understand why you are learning coding, decoding and reasoning in this coding, decoding, and reasoning tutorial.

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Strategies for Coding and Decoding 

Coding and decoding are essential skills that require analytical thinking and pattern recognition. You can decode complex messages and solve coding puzzles efficiently by employing effective strategies. Here are some strategies to enhance your coding and decoding abilities:

Identifying Patterns and Rules

One key strategy for coding and decoding is to identify patterns and rules within the encoded message. Analyze the symbols, letters, or numbers sequence to discern recurring patterns or sequences. Look for similarities or repetitions that may indicate a coding rule. By understanding the underlying pattern, you can decode the message more effectively.

Using Common Coding Rules

Familiarize yourself with common coding rules and techniques used in coding and decoding puzzles. These rules may include alphabetical order, reverse alphabetical order, numerical order, substitution patterns, or simple arithmetic operations. Recognizing these common coding rules can help you decipher coded messages more quickly and accurately.

Trial and Error Method

If the coding rule is not immediately apparent, employ a trial-and-error approach to decode the message. Experiment with different decoding strategies and hypotheses until you identify the correct rule. Test various patterns, substitutions, or transformations to see which yields meaningful results. While this method may require patience and persistence, it can effectively decode challenging messages.

Leveraging Contextual Clues

Consider the context of the encoded message or the given information to deduce the coding rule. Sometimes, contextual clues in the question or surrounding text offer valuable hints about the coding pattern. Notice any clues or associations that may help you unravel the message. Contextual clues can provide valuable insights into the intended meaning of the coded message.

Practice Exercises to Reinforce Understanding

Regular practice is essential for improving your coding and decoding skills. Solve various coding and decoding puzzles, ranging from simple to complex, to reinforce your understanding of different coding rules and patterns. Use practice exercises from textbooks, online resources, or aptitude test preparation materials. The more you practice, the more adept you will become at accurately identifying patterns and decoding messages.

Why Learn Coding, Decoding and Reasoning?

Coding, Decoding, and Reasoning play a vital role in competitive examinations. Almost every job needs some particular skills. The basic skills necessary to get a job are aptitude skills; these play an important role in qualifying for the further rounds. 

At present, every job has entrance tests where applicant skills are examined. Every entrance exam involves some kind of aptitude round filled with these kinds of questions, so coding holds a significant role in those kinds of jobs.

Every company is concentrating more on these rounds to recruit employees.

These Coding, Decoding, and reasoning skills also help to improve knowledge and enhance your skills by logical thinking.

The above-mentioned are a few reasons why you learn coding, decoding and reasoning skills. Now, you will understand some types of coding and decoding with the examples below.

Types of Coding-Decoding With Examples

The types are classified in several categories, but this tutorial deals with the types which have a huge impact at the present in this coding, decoding, and reasoning scenario.

• Letter Coding

Letter Coding is a type in which the letters are replaced with other letters.

Take an example of Letter Coding: 

Q) MONKEY is coded as "KMLICW", then what should be the code for ORANGE.

Explanation: To solve these kinds of problems, you have to remember that every alphabet has a specific number. 

So, according to the question, 

MONKEY - the code for money is 

M is coded as 13

O is coded as 15

N is coded as 14

K is coded as 11

E is coded as 5

Y is coded as 25 

In the same way, "KMLICW" is coded as 

K is coded as 11

M is coded as 13

L is coded as 12

I is coded as 9

C is coded as 3

W is coded as 23

If you observe both the given word and, it is coded by decreasing 2 for each alphabet. 

So, in the same way, to code "ORANGE", the same number should be decreased.

So you code "ORANGE" as: 

O is coded as 15

R is coded as 18

A is coded as 1

N is coded as 14

G is coded as 7

E is coded as 5

So, in the same way, it decreased each alphabet by 2

The final solution for Orange would be 13, 16, 25, 12, 5, 3

And you should code the word as "MPYLEC".

• Number Coding

In the Number Coding section of reasoning ability, the candidate will have to observe and guess the hidden code of two or more sets of numbers. Once the parent code is known, the candidate will have to use this code to generate other numbers.

Q) If “HOUSE” is coded as 35842, and LEMON is coded as 12659, then what would be the code for HELEN?

Explanation: The code of every letter is already specified in the question itself, so no need to use fixed codes of the letters.

Now, specify the number of each letter to solve the problem. If you observe the two words, some of the letters are repeated, so no need to write the repeated letters.

Now, code the letters.

H is coded as 3

O is coded as 5

U is coded as 8

S is coded as 4

E is coded as 2

L is coded as 1

M is coded as 6

N is coded as 9

Using these codes, "HELEN" is coded as 3,2,1,2,9.

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Substitution Coding

In substitution coding, particular objects are assigned code names. Then, a question is asked to solve the answer in the same pattern.

Now, have a look at the example for a clear understanding.

You have 

Q) If 'white' is called 'red', and 'red' is called 'blue', 'blue' is called 'green', 'green' is called 'yellow', 'yellow' is called 'black', and what is the colour of blood?

Explanation: As we know, the blood is red. So if you observe the above question, it is mentioned that white is called red and red is called blue.

So blood is red by using the substitution method, the answer would be blue.

Mixed Letter Coding

In this type of question, three or four complete messages are provided in the coded language, and the code for the particular word is asked. To analyze such codes, and if any two messages bearing the common word, are picked. The common code word will be that word.

Q) In the code language,

1) 'Ha ka bow' means How are you

2) 'ka te ma' means where are they

3) 'se re tho' means good and bad

What does ‘are’ stand for?

Explanation: If you observe the question, it is mentioned that both the 1st and 2nd statements are repeated.

So the common word in both these statements is KA. The rest of each word is different. So, "are" stands for ka.

So, according to mixed letter coding, "are" stands for "ka".

Mixed Number Coding

In this mixed number-coding question, three or four complete messages are given in the coded language, and the code number for a particular word is asked.

Q) If 'the monster hunter' is coded as 324,and 'will be the' is coded as 476, and 'they are in' is coded as 158. Which digit represents the?

Explanation: If you observe the question in two statements, the is repeated, and in both the two statements, the only repeated letter is 4.

So, as per mixed number coding, the exact code for "the" is "4".

These are a few types of coding and decoding types. Now, walk through learning some tricks and tips to learn reasoning in this coding, decoding, and reasoning tutorial.

Strategies for Coding and Decoding 

Coding and decoding are essential skills that require analytical thinking and pattern recognition. You can decode complex messages and solve coding puzzles efficiently by employing effective strategies. Here are some strategies to enhance your coding and decoding abilities:

Identifying Patterns and Rules

One key strategy for coding and decoding is to identify patterns and rules within the encoded message. Analyze the symbols, letters, or numbers sequence to discern any recurring patterns or sequences. Look for similarities or repetitions that may indicate a coding rule. By understanding the underlying pattern, you can decode the message more effectively.

Using Common Coding Rules

Familiarize yourself with common coding rules and techniques used in coding and decoding puzzles. These rules may include alphabetical order, reverse alphabetical order, numerical order, substitution patterns, or simple arithmetic operations. Recognizing these common coding rules can help you decipher coded messages more quickly and accurately.

Trial and Error Method

If the coding rule is not immediately apparent, employ a trial-and-error approach to decode the message. Experiment with different decoding strategies and hypotheses until you identify the correct rule. Test various patterns, substitutions, or transformations to see which yields meaningful results. While this method may require patience and persistence, it can effectively decode challenging messages.

Leveraging Contextual Clues

Consider the context of the encoded message or the given information to deduce the coding rule. Sometimes, contextual clues in the question or surrounding text offer valuable hints about the coding pattern. Notice any clues or associations that may help you unravel the message. Contextual clues can provide valuable insights into the intended meaning of the coded message.

Practice Exercises to Reinforce Understanding

Regular practice is essential for improving your coding and decoding skills. Solve various coding and decoding puzzles, ranging from simple to complex, to reinforce your understanding of different coding rules and patterns. Use practice exercises from textbooks, online resources, or aptitude test preparation materials. The more you practice, the more adept you will become at accurately identifying patterns and decoding messages.

Tricks to Learn Reasoning With Examples

In this tutorial about coding, decoding, and reasoning, you have covered 12 reasoning-type concepts and their examples.

Number Series

Number Series is a sequence of numbers that follows some pattern where candidates need to find the missing or wrong number in the provided series.

Let's have a look at an example to enable your clear understanding of the concept.

Question: Look at the series 10, 50, 15, 40, 20, 30, …… what should come next?

Explanation: As mentioned, the numbers in the series are 10, 50, 15, 40, 20, 30, ….

If you observe the series deeply, the alternate numbers are increased and decreased. 1st and 3rd numbers are increased by 5, and it decreased 2nd and 4th by 10. 

In the same way, all the alternate numbers are increased and decreased.

So according to order, it should increase the following number by "5" so the next number in the series is "25".

Verbal Classification

In this type of reasoning question, you have four words. All words, except one, are related to others in the same manner. Three words among the four words will be with the same classification. You have to select the odd one.

Q) Pick the odd one in the list

1. Handsome
2. Attractive
3. Bottle
4. Charming

Explanation: In the above question, all the answers are related to beauty except the third option. It is not related to beauty.

So the odd one on the list is "Bottle".

Logical Deduction

Logical Deduction in Reasoning which constructs or evaluates deductive arguments. A deductive argument is valid only when the conclusion follows from the premises; the conclusion must be true provided that the premises are true.

Q) Statement: Some kings are queens. All queens are beautiful.

Conclusions:

1. All kings are beautiful
2. All queens are kings

Explanation: As mentioned in the above question, only one premise is particular. So the conclusion should also be particular.

So the answer would be neither 1 nor 2 follows the given statement. 

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Analogies

Analogical Reasoning or argument by analogy can be defined as a specific way of thinking, based on the idea that because two or more things are similar in some respects, they are probably also similar in some further respect.

Q) Glass: Break:: Fire:?

Explanation: If a glass is thrown or falls, it should break. So, related to the first one, the fire would burn.

According to the analogies, the answer would be "fire."

Letter and Symbol Series

Letter and Symbol Series are a sequential order of letters, numbers, or both arranged in a way that each term in the series is obtained according to some specified rules. These rules are based on mathematical operations, place of letters in alphabetical order. Letter series is a logical arrangement of letters of the English alphabet arranged in a specified pattern.

Q) SCD, TEF, UGH, ____, WKL, what should be coded in?

Explanation: If you observe, the first letter of every word is replaced with the following letter. And the second and third are replaced with alternate letters.

So the following word in the series is "VIJ."

Statement and Conclusion

Statement and conclusions topic comprises a statement followed by a set of conclusions for the same. Candidates need to choose the most appropriate conclusion regarding the given statement.

Q) In a test cricket match, the total runs scored by the team were 450. Out of 450 runs, 350 were scored by all-rounders.

Conclusion

1. 78% runs scored by all-rounders
2. The middle-order batsmen were all-rounders

Explanation: If you observe the question, all 78% runs are scored by all-rounders. So, one doesn't follow. And nothing is mentioned about middle-order batsmen. So, two also don't follow.

So the conclusion would be neither 1 nor 2 follows.

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect is a relationship between events or things, where one is the result of the other or others. This is a combination of action and reaction. Something happens (a cause) that leads to an effect.

Q) Statements

1. Virat is nervous
2. Virat went to hospital for checkup

Explanation: If you observe, statement 1 is the cause, and statement 2 is the effect. And the solution for the above questtoion is. 

Virat is nervous, he went to the hospital to consult a doctor.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning is understanding and Reasoning using concepts framed in words. It aims at evaluating the ability to think constructively rather than at simple fluency or vocabulary recognition.

Let's have a look at an example.

Q) 'Smoke' is related to 'Pollution' and in the same way as 'War' is related to:

Explanation: If you observe the statement, smoking causes pollution. So the war leads to destruction.

According to the concept, the solution would be destruction.

Logical Games

Game Logic is a modal logic that extends Propositional Dynamic Logic by generalizing its semantics and adding a new operator to the language. The logic can be used to reason about determined 2-player games.

Now, have a look at the example.

Q) Virat, Dhoni, and Rohit were 3 brothers. Observe  the following statements and find which of them is the youngest.

1. Rohit is elder
2. Virat is not older than Dhoni
3. Dhoni is younger than Rohit

Explanation: The first statement states that Rohit is older than Dhoni and Virat. The second statement states that Virat is younger than Dhoni.

So the answer would be Virat is the youngest. 

Artificial Language

Artificial language is a part of analytical Reasoning, where decoding the meaning of some artificial language is the main task. Some pre-defined artificial languages with their meaning will be given in advance. By referring to that, you have to decode the original meaning of an artificial word from the given options.

Let's have a look at an example.

Q) What could be the meaning of Miss-Guys?

1. tulseherf means Hello guys
2. another means HeyRaj
3. eherfopwse means HelloMiss

Explanation: In the first and last statement, Hello is the common word, so the meaning of "eherf" is "Hello". And the meaning of "tuls" is "Guys", and "miss" is "opwse".

And the answer would be "opwsetuls".

Statement and Assumption

In a statement and assumption question, we ask a statement, followed by a few assumptions. Candidates need to pick the assumption that is most appropriately and logically correct.

Now have a look at the example. 

Q) Statement: Detergents are used to clean clothes.

Assumptions:

1. Detergents form more lather
2. Detergents help to dislodge grease and dirt

Explanation: In both statements, nothing is mentioned about the lather, so the first is not implicit. As the detergent is used to clean clothes quickly and easily, the second is implicit.

Essential Part

Essential Part is one of the important topics in the Logical Reasoning section. In an Essential Part question, each word is followed by the answer choices.

Let's have a look at an example of the Essential Part.

Q) Company

1. Work
2. Report Card
3. Salary
4. Employees

Explanation: In the above example, the company cannot run without employees. The other three are also crucial in the company, but the essential is an employee without an employee; the rest is useless.

As per the essential part concept, the answer would be "employees".

These are a few tricks and tips to learn coding, decoding and reasoning. Now understand some benefits of coding, decoding and reasoning in this codin, decoding, and reasoning tutorial.

Reasoning and Problem-Solving Questions

Reasoning and problem-solving questions often include elements of coding and decoding, requiring candidates to decipher patterns, sequences, or relationships to arrive at solutions. Let's explore the role of coding and decoding in reasoning questions, examples of such questions, and effective strategies for approaching them:

Role of Coding and Decoding in Reasoning Questions

Coding and decoding play crucial roles in reasoning questions and assessing candidates' ability to analyze information, recognize patterns, and draw logical conclusions. These questions evaluate candidates' cognitive abilities, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Coding questions involve encoding or decoding messages based on specific rules or patterns while decoding questions require deciphering coded messages to reveal the original content. By incorporating coding and decoding elements, reasoning questions assess candidates' proficiency in understanding and applying logical principles.

Examples of Reasoning Questions Involving Coding and Decoding

1. Letter Coding: "If 'CAT' is coded as 'FDC', how is 'DOG' coded?"

• Solution: In this example, each letter in the word "CAT" is shifted three positions forward in the alphabet to obtain the coded word "FDC". Applying the same coding rule to the word "DOG" results in "GRJ".

• Solution: Here, each number is substituted with its corresponding letter in the alphabet. For example, '8' corresponds to 'H', '12' corresponds to 'L', and '5' corresponds to 'E'. Following this pattern, '3 15 18' is coded as 'C O R'.

• Solution: In this case, each letter in the word "APPLE" is assigned a numerical value based on its position in the alphabet. Applying the same rule to the word "ORANGE" yields the coded sequence '1514187145'.

Tips for Approaching Reasoning Questions Effectively

1. Understand the Coding Rule: Carefully analyze the given information to understand the coding rule or pattern applied to the messages.
2. Identify Patterns: Look for recurring patterns or sequences in the coded messages that may indicate the coding rule.
3. Apply Logical Deduction: Use logical deduction and reasoning to decode the messages based on the identified patterns or rules.
4. Practice Regularly: Practice solving reasoning questions involving coding and decoding to familiarize yourself with different coding rules and sharpen your problem-solving skills.
5. Time Management: Manage your time effectively during exams by allocating sufficient time to read and understand the questions, decode the messages, and arrive at solutions.

Benefits in Day-To-Day Life

• Coding, Decoding, and Reasoning cover all the aspects of learning that help improve a person's focus and ability.
• Almost every job-related exam depends on aptitude rounds, which play a key role in recruiting candidates.
• These coding, decoding and reasoning skills also help a person to improve and get experience in the hiring process.

Conclusion

Mastering coding, decoding, and reasoning skills are indispensable in various spheres, from academic assessments to professional endeavors. This exploration uncovered the intricacies of deciphering patterns, symbols, and sequences, equipping readers with essential strategies and techniques. As we navigate the complexities of aptitude tests, competitive exams, and real-world problem-solving scenarios, the ability to unravel coded messages and draw logical conclusions becomes a hallmark of success. Whether pursuing a career as a Full Stack Developer or engaging in other fields like data science or cybersecurity, proficiency in coding, decoding, and reasoning is a fundamental asset. Additionally, individuals aspiring to become Full Stack Developers can complement their skill set by undertaking a comprehensive Full Stack Developer—MERN Stack course. This course equips you with the skills to build dynamic web applications from scratch. Learn essential front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a popular framework like React or Angular. On the back end, you'll delve into Node.js and Express.js, mastering database management with MongoDB. By embracing continuous learning, practicing diligently, and applying the insights from the tutorial, you can confidently tackle coding and decoding challenges, enhance your reasoning capabilities, and unlock new opportunities for intellectual growth and achievement.