Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: qqstuu
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
These six-letter strings appear to share a construction: a doubled letter, then two increasing letters, then a doubled letter. When multiple strings follow the same structural template, finer traits (such as the type of the final doubled letter) can reveal the outlier.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Confirm the shared template: [double same letter] + [letter +1 or +2 progression] + [double same letter]. Then examine the nature of the terminal doublet (vowel vs. consonant) to detect a single mismatch.
Step-by-Step Solution:
aacdff: aa, c(+2 from a), d(+1), ff (final double consonant).ggijkk: gg, i(+2 from g), j(+1), kk (final double consonant).mmopqq: mm, o(+2 from m), p(+1), qq (final double consonant).qqstuu: qq, s(+2 from q), t(+1), uu (final double vowel).
Verification / Alternative check:
All four satisfy the positional +2 then +1 middle step. The only categorical difference is that “uu” is a vowel pair, while “ff/kk/qq” are consonant pairs. That single distinctive trait makes qqstuu the outlier.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Searching for inconsistent middle increments; here the +2 then +1 pattern holds uniformly. The differentiator is the vowel/consonant nature of the ending pair.
Final Answer:
qqstuu
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