If NO is coded as 210, NOT is coded as 4200 and NOTE is coded as 21000, then how is NOTES coded?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) 399000
The code multiplies the alphabet positions of the letters: 14 × 15 = 210, then × 20 = 4200, then × 5 = 21000. Adding S (19) gives 21000 × 19 = 399000.
- Alphabet positions: N = 14, O = 15, T = 20, E = 5, S = 19.
- NO = 14 × 15 = 210. NOT = 210 × 20 = 4200. NOTE = 4200 × 5 = 21000. The code is the product of the positions.
- NOTES = 21000 × 19 = 399000.
- Check: 4200 ÷ 210 = 20 (T) and 21000 ÷ 4200 = 5 (E), confirming the rule.
Remember · When a code grows as letters are added, divide consecutive codes: the ratio gives each new letter's value (here its alphabet position).
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·