HOW TO APPROACH INEQUALITY AND CODING-DECODING QUESTIONS 

Mastering Inequality & Coding-Decoding for Bank Exams

Inequality and Coding-Decoding are high-scoring topics in banking exams (IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Assistant). These questions test logical reasoning and pattern recognition skills. Below is a detailed guide to solving them efficiently.

1. Inequality Questions

Inequality questions involve mathematical symbols (>, <, ≥, ≤, =, ≠) to compare variables.

Types of Inequality Problems

Direct Inequalities (e.g., A > B ≥ C)

Coded Inequalities (Symbols represent relations, e.g., @ means >)

Combined Inequalities (Multiple statements with conclusions)

KEY RULES & CONCEPTS

✔ Priority Order: > ≥ = ≤ < (Strongest to weakest)
✔ Transitive Property:

If A > B and B > C → A > C.
✔ Either-Or Cases:

“A ≥ B” means “A > B or A = B” (at least one must be true).
✔ No Relation Rule:

If two variables are not directly/indirectly linked → No conclusion.

Step-by-Step Solving Approach

Decode Symbols (if coded).

Draw a Relationship Tree (A → B → C).

Check Conclusions using the tree.

Example (Direct Inequality)

Statements:

P ≥ Q = R < S ≤ T
Conclusions:

P > R

T > Q

Solution:

P ≥ Q = R → P ≥ R (Conclusion 1: Maybe, since P could be = R).

Q = R < S ≤ T → Q < T (Conclusion 2: True).

2. Coding-Decoding Questions

Coding-Decoding involves converting words/numbers into patterns.

Types of Coding-Decoding Problems

Letter Shifting (A → C, B → D, etc.)

Symbol-Based Coding (e.g., DOG = %#@)

Number Coding (CAT = 312)

Fictitious Language (New coding rules given)

Key Strategies

✔ Look for Alphabet Positions (A=1, B=2… Z=26).
✔ Identify Forward/Backward Shifts (A → C = +2 shift).
✔ Check Reverse Letter Pairs (A ↔ Z, B ↔ Y).
✔ Spot Repeated Patterns (e.g., “APPLE” → 1-16-16-12-5).

Step-by-Step Solving Approach

Find the Base Word (e.g., “CAT” is often used in examples).

Compare Letter Positions between coded & original words.

Apply the Rule to the target word.

Example (Letter Shifting)

Question:
If “CODE” is written as “EQFG,” how is “BANK” written?

Solution:

C (+2) → E

O (+2) → Q

D (+2) → F

E (+2) → G

Apply +2 shift: B→D, A→C, N→P, K→M → DCPM

3. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Ignoring Transitive Property → Leads to wrong inequality conclusions.
❌ Overcomplicating Coding → Stick to simple shifts first.
❌ Missing Either-Or Cases → “A ≥ B” has two possibilities.
❌ Skipping Reverse Coding → Check if letters are reversed (e.g., “RAT” = “TAR”).

4. Best Books & Practice Resources

📚 “Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” – Magme Medal
📚 “Logical Reasoning” – Magme Medal
📚 Previous Year Papers (IBPS/SBI/RBI)
📚 Online Mock Tests (Magme Medal)

5. Final Tips for High Accuracy

✅ Practice 10-15 questions daily (Mix of Inequality & Coding).
✅ Use quick notations (e.g., A>B>C for inequalities).
✅ Memorize alphabet positions (A=1, B=2… Z=26).
✅ Solve timed quizzes to improve speed.

Conclusion

Inequality: Use transitive logic and relationship trees.

Coding-Decoding: Look for letter shifts and patterns.

Avoid assumptions, practice regularly, and take timed tests.