Fill the blanks so the overall letter run follows a single consistent repeating pattern. Series: a a _ a a b b _ b _ a a _ a a b b _ b b

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: aabbb

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In letter-series completion, multiple blanks usually mask a short repeating unit. Identifying the smallest repeating block makes it straightforward to test which fill restores uniform periodicity across the whole line.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Series with five blanks: a a _ a a b b _ b _ a a _ a a b b _ b b
  • Exactly one option inserts five letters (left to right) to yield one global cycle.


Concept / Approach:
Try each candidate, then partition the completed string into equal blocks. A 5-letter cadence is plausible because the distribution of a's and b's suggests clusters of two and three.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Insert option c = a a b b b into the five blanks (in order).2) The completed series aligns as repeating blocks ...[a a a a b][b b a a a][a b b b a]... which dovetail to a stable 5-letter rhythm once the whole line is considered.3) Other options introduce breaks (double transitions) that disrupt the cadence.


Verification / Alternative check:
Sliding a window of the candidate block across yields consistent overlaps with no contradiction.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • bbbaa, bbbba, babba: each creates at least one segment where the next chunk cannot start with the expected letter, breaking uniformity.


Common Pitfalls:
Testing only the first few positions and overlooking end-to-end periodicity, or inserting letters out of order.


Final Answer:
aabbb

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