Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: RMRPRMP
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a letter-completion problem where one long pattern is partially hidden by blanks. The goal is to choose a set of letters that, when filled in, produces a consistent and often repeating structure. Such questions measure a candidate's ability to detect repetition, symmetry and segment-wise patterns in strings of characters. Here, the pattern heavily involves the letters M, P and R.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Instead of guessing visually, we can think in terms of possible repeated blocks. If a particular option produces a pattern that repeats exactly, that is usually a strong indication of correctness. We systematically insert each candidate sequence into the blanks and inspect the resulting full pattern to see whether a simple repetitive structure emerges. The simplest and most regular pattern is usually the intended one.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Label the template positions and fill the blanks with each option one by one.When we insert option c (RMRPRMP), the completed string becomes MRPMMRRPPMRPMMRRPP.On inspection, this full string can be split into two identical blocks: MRPMMRRPP and MRPMMRRPP.Thus the pattern is a perfect repetition of a nine-character block, repeated twice.This type of exact duplication is strong evidence that option c is the correct completion.
Verification / Alternative check:
For thoroughness, we can also check the other options. Inserting option a gives a string that does not split into regularly repeating segments. Option b and option d similarly produce irregular patterns; their halves are not identical, and no simple repetition emerges. Only option c yields a pattern where the first half of the string is exactly the same as the second half, which matches typical reasoning-question design where a clean, symmetrical structure is preferred.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a yields MRPMMPRPPMRPMMRRPP, which does not exhibit exact half repetition; certain positions differ between the two halves. Option b and d also lead to mismatched second halves, indicating that the construction is ad hoc rather than systematic. Since reasoning questions generally reward recognition of simple and elegant patterns, these incomplete or irregular repetitions are not acceptable solutions.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to focus only on local matches, such as matching a few letters next to a blank, instead of checking the global structure. Another pitfall is stopping after a partial pattern appears correct without verifying the entire completed string. The safest method is always to fill the whole pattern and check whether it can be divided cleanly into repeating or symmetrical segments.
Final Answer:
RMRPRMP
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