Which one of the following is closest to the meaning of the phrase "fully explicit" as used in lines 24—25?

JeremyG on May 11, 2019

Why C rather than A?

C - "expressed unambiguously" - seems like a pretty weak explanation of the phrase "fully explicit" in this context. Looking more broadly at the context, the author states: "Self–similarity is built into the construction process by treating segments at each stage the same way as the original segment was treated. Since the rules for getting from one stage to another are fully explicit and always the same, images of successive stages of the process can be generated by computer." We are told that fractals are generated by using one copy and generating new ones ad infinitum. In other words, taking one example and reproducing it. How is that a weaker answer than "expressed unambiguously," which does very little in the specific context of how fractals are generated as described in the passage? Thank you.

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Victoria on May 12, 2019

Hi @JeremyG

The full sentence in question is: "since the rules for getting from one stage to another are fully explicit and always the same, images of successive stages of the process can be generated by computer."

If the rules can be followed by a computer, then it does not make sense that they are illustrated by an example as the computer would then need to be able to extrapolate the rules from this example.

This is why C is the correct answer. The rules are expressed unambiguously, making it possible for them to be followed and executed by a computer.

Hope this is helpful! Let us know if you have any further questions.