Final answer:
The hypothesis of an if-then statement is not represented as 'q'; the correct representation is the 'if' part of the statement. The term closest to the meaning of hypothesis is 'suggestion,' and predictions are made based on hypotheses and are expressed similarly in an if-then format.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypothesis of an if-then statement is typically represented as the 'if' part of the statement, so the claim that the hypothesis is represented as 'q' would be false. A hypothesis is a testable prediction expressed in an if-then format to detail the cause-and-effect of a supposed scenario. For instance, 'If I fertilize my plants, then they will grow faster.' The hypothesis is the initial 'if' part of this statement, while the 'then' part states the expected outcome or prediction.
Regarding which term is closest in meaning to hypothesis, the most accurate would be 'd. suggestion,' as a hypothesis suggests a possible explanation or outcome that is not yet confirmed or tested.
In terms of science and testing hypotheses, once the hypothesis has been established, a scientist will make a prediction based on it, which is often formatted as an if-then statement as well. This prediction is closely linked to the hypothesis but also focuses more on the anticipated results of an experiment or observation.