If in a certain code, MICROWAVE is written as LJBSNXZWD, how is POPULAR…

Key pattern: letters in odd positions are replaced by the previous letter in the alphabet; letters in even positions are replaced by the next letter in the alphabet.

• Apply the rule to each letter of POPULAR:

  P (1st, odd) -> previous letter: O

  O (2nd, even) -> next letter: P

  P (3rd, odd) -> previous letter: O

  U (4th, even) -> next letter: V

  L (5th, odd) -> previous letter: K

  A (6th, even) -> next letter: B

  R (7th, odd) -> previous letter: Q

Putting the transformed letters together gives: O P O V K B Q

Final answer: OPOVKBQ

Reason for update: The original solution had a small inaccuracy in wording about the mapping of E and D and formatting issues. This version states the rule clearly and shows the letter-by-letter transformation.