Final answer:
The correct word to fill in the sentence is 'tedious,' which describes the exam as long and boring. A hypothesis is a tentative assumption made based on existing knowledge and is close in meaning to 'suggestion.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The blank in the sentence 'This exam is _____ and difficult.' should be filled with an adjective that describes a characteristic of the exam. Among the provided options (tedious is the word that fits best, making the sentence 'This exam is tedious and difficult.' The word tedious means that something is long, repetitive, and boring, which can accompany the difficulty to describe a challenging and monotonous exam.
Difference Between a Question and a Hypothesis
The difference between a question generated through observation and a hypothesis is that a hypothesis is a tentative assumption made on the basis of what is already known, which is option c: A hypothesis is a tentative assumption based on what is already known.
Meaning of Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a supposition that is subjected to research to be proven or disproven through data collection. Regarding which word is closest to the same meaning as hypothesis, the correct option is d: suggestion. A hypothesis is not a fact, law, formula, or conclusion until it is supported by evidence.