Insert five letters to maintain the “b anchors between a/c swings” rule across the whole run: b _ ac _ cc _ cb _ ab _ ac
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Acbaba
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Bbbaac
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Cabbbc
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Daabba
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: cbaba
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The given skeleton fixes “ac/cc/cb/ab/ac” as internal anchors. A good completion keeps b as a recurring anchor between alternating a/c swings, avoiding triple same-letter runs at seams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Template: b _ ac _ cc _ cb _ ab _ ac
- Five letters inserted sequentially.
- Avoid clusters like “aaa”, “bbb”, “ccc”.
Concept / Approach:We want a pattern that starts by pairing b with c (to lead into “…bac…”), then toggles a/b to support “…cc…” and “…cb…”, finally closing cleanly before the last “…ac”.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Use “cbaba”.Seams: “b c ac b cc a cb a ab a ac” (spacing added for visual clarity).Each anchor is approached with the complementary letter, keeping alternation and avoiding triples.Verification / Alternative check:Other options either introduce “bbb” or mis-time the c near the “…cc…” anchor, causing collisions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- bbaac: Packs double b’s against “cb/ab” anchors.
- abbbc: Creates “bbb”.
- aabba: Misaligns with “…cc…” and “…cb…” placements.
- None of these: Not required since “cbaba” works.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to check every seam; a candidate can look fine up front yet fail near the close.
Final Answer:cbaba