Reasoning question from Sub Inspector exam, 2022 by JKSSB
In a certain code, '731' means 'study very hard', '953' means 'hard work pays' and '145' means 'study and work'. Which of the following is the code for 'very'?
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
7
To solve coding-decoding problems like this, we use the elimination method by comparing the phrases to find common words and their corresponding numbers.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1. Compare the first and second statements:
'731' = 'study very hard'
'953' = 'hard work pays'
Common word: 'hard' | Common number: 3
Result: hard = 3
2. Compare the first and third statements:
'731' = 'study very hard'
'145' = 'study and work'
Common word: 'study' | Common number: 1
Result: study = 1
3. Find the code for 'very':
Look back at the first statement: '731' = 'study very hard'
We already know: study = 1 and hard = 3.
The only remaining number in '731' is 7, and the only remaining word is very.
Result: very = 7
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
