Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: BBBBBAA
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests the ability to recognise patterns in sequences built from only two letters, A and B. Instead of numeric changes, the question uses the count and arrangement of specific letters to create a systematic progression. Such questions are very common in aptitude tests and require close observation rather than advanced calculations. The aim is to examine how the number of B's and the number of A's change from one term to the next and then extend that rule logically.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The natural approach is to track how many B letters appear in each term and where they are placed. From left to right, we can see that AAAAAAA has zero B's, the next term has one B at the leftmost position, the next has two B's at the two leftmost positions, and so on. This indicates a clear progression where each new term introduces one additional B at the left side, replacing an A. Once we see that pattern, predicting the next string becomes straightforward.
Step-by-Step Solution:
First term: AAAAAAA – contains 0 B letters.Second term: BAAAAAA – contains 1 B at the first position.Third term: BBAAAAA – contains 2 B's at the first and second positions.Fourth term: BBBAAAA – contains 3 B's at the first three positions.Fifth term: BBBBAAA – contains 4 B's at the first four positions.Therefore, the next term must contain 5 B's at the first five positions and the remaining 2 letters as A. That yields BBBBBAA.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can quickly list the counts of B's as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and see that the natural continuation is 5. The left-justified placement of B's is also consistent. No other candidate option matches exactly this idea of incrementing the number of consecutive B's from the left by one. This confirms BBBBBAA as the unique correct continuation of the sequence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
BBBBBBA has 6 B's and breaks the smooth progression that only increases by one B each time. AAAAAAA restarts the pattern and ignores the clear build-up of B's. BAAAAAA replicates the second term and thus does not move the sequence forward. Only BBBBBAA respects both the increasing B count and the left-to-right placement rule.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may focus on total letters without noticing the exact positions of B's. Others may be tempted by a visually similar option that repeats a previous term. When solving such problems, it is important to count the relevant letters, confirm how many new letters appear in each step, and verify that the increase or decrease is steady.
Final Answer:
BBBBBAA
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