Explanation
The correct answer to the analogy "GUIDE is to DIRECT as REDUCE is to _____?" is A: Decrease.
In this analogy, the relationship between "guide" and "direct" is that a guide provides direction or guidance to someone. Similarly, the relationship between "reduce" and the answer choice must be a synonym that implies a decrease or reduction.
Option B, Maintain, and Option D, Preserve, are not suitable answers because they imply the opposite of a decrease or reduction. Maintaining and preserving something means to keep it at the same level or state, rather than reducing or decreasing it.
Option C, Increase, is also not a suitable answer because it implies the opposite of a decrease or reduction. Increasing something means to make it larger or greater, rather than reducing or decreasing it.
Therefore, the best answer choice is A: Decrease, which means to make something smaller or less.
Hence, the correct answer is A: Decrease.
