If Bag = 71, then VICE = ?

The correct answer is Option (2) → 69

The code is the sum of the letters’ positions in the reverse alphabet (Z = 1, Y = 2, …, A = 26), that is, 27 minus the usual position.

The rule on BAG:

• B = 25, A = 26, G = 20

• \(25+26+20=71\), which agrees with the given code

Applying it to VICE:

• V = 5, I = 18, C = 24, E = 22

• \(5+18+24+22=69\)

Tip: When the plain sum of the positions does not fit (B + A + G = 2 + 1 + 7 = 10), try the reverse positions: a word of \(n\) letters then gives \(27n\) minus the plain sum, here \(81-10=71\).