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A) This option supports one hypothesis of cooling but does not talk anything about voltage stability. - Incorrect.

B) This does not address the issue. - Incorrect.

C) This undermines heat generation hypothesis and supports voltage stability hypothesis. - Correct.

D) This does not undermine voltage stability hypothesis and also does not fully support heat generation. - Incorrect.

E) This does not address the issue. - Incorrect.
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The question asks for evidence that supports one hypothesis while undermining the other.
To reach to the answers first let us understand both the hypothesis mentioned.
Let’s analyze the two hypotheses:

1.Thermal Management Hypothesis:
Performance drops occur because the processor's cooling system cannot dissipate heat effectively, requiring a temporary slowdown to reduce temperatures.

2.Voltage Regulation Hypothesis:
Performance drops occur because the processor’s voltage regulators cannot maintain a stable power supply under high demand.


Option A:
"When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do."

This option supports the Thermal Management Hypothesis. If improving the cooling system prevents performance drops, it indicates that overheating is likely the cause of the issue.
However, it does not undermine the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis. A stable voltage supply could still be contributing to performance stability alongside the enhanced cooling system.
In summary, while this supports thermal management, it leaves the voltage regulation explanation open.

Option B:
"Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality."

This option suggests that neither the cooling system nor the voltage regulator is the main factor behind performance drops. Instead, it points to an alternative explanation, such as inherent computational limits or software bottlenecks.
By indicating that performance drops occur regardless of cooling efficiency or voltage stability, this option undermines both hypotheses.
Therefore, B does not favor one hypothesis over the other.

Option C:
"Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system."

Already addressed later: This option strongly supports the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis while undermining the Thermal Management Hypothesis.

Option D:
"When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature."

This option supports the Thermal Management Hypothesis because improving the cooling system reduces the frequency of performance drops.
However, similar to Option A, it does not undermine the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis. Voltage stability could still play a role in preventing performance drops.
Therefore, while this evidence favors thermal management, it does not conclusively eliminate voltage regulation as a cause.

The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops."

This option introduces a new variable—rapid switching between tasks—that increases performance drops.
While this could indicate voltage instability (because power demand fluctuates more quickly during rapid switching), it does not directly support or undermine either hypothesis definitively.
The observation could apply to either:
Thermal management could struggle with frequent, rapid spikes in heat.
Voltage regulators could struggle to stabilize power with fluctuating demand.
As a result, E provides additional context but does not decisively support one hypothesis over the other.

The Correct answer is Option C
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C because it explicitly mentions the conditions (continuous high demand) for the conclusion (no drop in performance) to hold while undermining the former hypothesis
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To evaluate which discovery supports one hypothesis and undermines the other, let’s analyze the hypotheses and each answer choice.
[hr]
Hypotheses:
  1. Thermal Management Hypothesis: Performance drops occur because the processor's cooling system cannot dissipate heat effectively, causing thermal throttling to protect the processor.
  2. Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: Performance drops occur because the voltage regulators cannot maintain a stable power supply during high computational demand.
[hr]
Analysis of Choices:
A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.
  • This supports the Thermal Management Hypothesis, as advanced cooling systems prevent performance drops.
  • This undermines the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis, as voltage stability would not depend on cooling systems.
    This choice clearly distinguishes between the two hypotheses.
[hr]
B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.
  • This supports neither hypothesis, as it suggests that performance drops are unrelated to cooling systems or voltage regulators.
    This choice does not help differentiate the two hypotheses.
[hr]
C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.
  • This supports the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis, as maintaining stable voltage prevents performance drops.
  • This undermines the Thermal Management Hypothesis, as cooling system efficiency is irrelevant to performance drops.
    This choice clearly distinguishes between the two hypotheses.
[hr]
D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.
  • This supports the Thermal Management Hypothesis, as better cooling systems reduce performance drops.
  • However, it does not undermine the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis, as the connection between voltage stability and performance drops is not addressed.
    This choice does not distinguish the two hypotheses.
[hr]
E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.
  • This supports neither hypothesis directly, as frequent task switching could affect both thermal management and voltage regulation.
    This choice does not help differentiate the two hypotheses.
[hr]
Correct Answer:
A or C, as both clearly support one hypothesis while undermining the other.
The best answer depends on framing; however, choice A typically aligns with traditional GMAT logical reasoning prioritization.

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Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


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OA Option A

This observation would support the hypothesis that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during intensive tasks. If processors with advanced cooling systems do not experience performance drops, it indicates that effective thermal management can prevent these drops. At the same time, this undermines the alternative hypothesis that the performance drops are due to unstable power supply, as the cooling system, not the voltage regulator, is making the difference in performance stability.
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Quote:
Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?


Hypothesis 1: the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat
Hypothesis 2: the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply

Since the question ask to support one and undermine the other, the answer choice should mention both hypothesis

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system
This shows that hypothesis 2 is right, while hypothesis 1 is not related with the processor's performance
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Answer is (A)

This option supports the hypothesis that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks and undermines the other (basically proves the other hypothesis to be incorrect).
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IMO C

To determine which hypothesis is supported and which is undermined, let's analyze each option in the context of the two hypotheses:

Thermal Management Hypothesis: The processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during intensive tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed.
Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: The processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.
Now, let's evaluate each option:

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

Supports Thermal Management Hypothesis: If processors with advanced cooling systems do not show performance drops, it suggests that the issue is related to heat dissipation.
Undermines Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: This option does not address voltage regulation directly, but the implication is that cooling, not voltage, is the critical factor.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

Supports Neither Hypothesis: This suggests that performance drops are inherent to the complexity of tasks and are not influenced by cooling systems or voltage regulators.
Undermines Both Hypotheses: Since neither cooling system efficiency nor voltage regulator quality affects performance drops, both hypotheses are undermined.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

Supports Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: If maintaining a stable voltage supply prevents performance drops, it indicates that voltage regulation is the key issue.
Undermines Thermal Management Hypothesis: This option suggests that cooling efficiency is not the determining factor, thus undermining the thermal management hypothesis.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

Supports Thermal Management Hypothesis: Enhanced cooling systems reducing performance drops indicates that heat management is crucial.
Undermines Voltage Regulation Hypothesis: This option does not address voltage regulation, implying that cooling is the more significant factor.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

Supports Neither Hypothesis Directly: This option suggests that task-switching frequency, rather than cooling or voltage stability, is the cause of performance drops.
Undermines Both Hypotheses: Since neither cooling systems nor voltage regulators are mentioned as factors, both hypotheses are undermined.
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is:

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

This option supports the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis and undermines the Thermal Management Hypothesis.
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We need to find an option that undermines one of the two, and strengthens the other

i) unable to cope with heat and hence reduction in processing
ii) voltage regulators dont have stable power supply leading to the performance drops

C) does this as it shows that if there is stable power supply, there are no performance drops regardless of efficiency in cooling. Meaning cause is power supply, not inability to cope with heat.
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Answer C. Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

Supports voltage regulation hypothesis: Stable voltage supply prevents performance drops, implying voltage regulation is the critical factor.

Undermines thermal management hypothesis: If cooling systems do not influence performance drops, heat is unlikely to be the cause.

Correct because it directly supports the voltage regulation hypothesis and undermines the thermal management hypothesis.
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Hypothesis 1: Thermal management system is responsible for performance drops.
Hypothesis 2: Unstable voltage supply is responsible for performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

So we need an answer that strengthens one hypothesis and weakens the other one.

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

Only one hypothesis is discussed.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

Weakens both hypothesis.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

CORRECT ANSWER: establishes a positive correlation between voltage supply stability and performance stability and an absence of correlation between cooling system and performance.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

Only one hypothesis is discussed.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

Out of scope.
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A)
This strongly supports the thermal management hypothesis because performance drops occur only with weaker cooling systems.
At the same time, it undermines the voltage regulation hypothesis because the voltage regulators should be independent of the cooling system.
Thus, this statement directly differentiates between the two hypotheses.

B)
This suggests that the performance drops are independent of both cooling systems and voltage regulation.
It undermines both hypotheses

C)
This strongly supports the voltage regulation hypothesis because stable voltage ensures no performance drops, regardless of cooling efficiency.
It undermines the thermal management hypothesis since cooling systems appear irrelevant to the performance drops in this case.
Thus, this statement differentiates between the two hypotheses but in favor of voltage regulation.

D)
This supports the thermal management hypothesis because better cooling reduces performance drops.
It does not undermine the voltage regulation hypothesis

E)
This neither clearly supports nor undermines either hypothesis.

So option C

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12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation. One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed; an alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

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The only tricky part here was the correct option should undermine one and support other hypothesis.

knowing this if we look at option

option A) does not undermine other hypo
option B) says both hypothesis incorrect
option C) supports the 'voltage' hypothesis AND rejects the 'temp' one
option D) does not undermine other hypo
option E) irrelevant
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B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

Supports the voltage regulation hypothesis: The consistent performance drop suggests that unstable power supply is likely the cause.
Undermines the thermal management hypothesis: If performance drops occur regardless of cooling system efficiency, overheating isn’t likely the primary issue.
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1. Thermal management hypothesis: Performance drops occur due to inability to manage heat generated during intensive tasks
2. Voltage regulation hypothesis: Performance drops occur due to unstable power supply under high demand

We need to Weaken one and support one

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.

It is supporting the cooling Regulation hypothesis, but What about the Voltage Regulation Hypothesis?


B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.

It is showing another cause of the Problem irreverent to both, weaking both

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.

[It means, Voltage is the Key, if they are stable, they don't exhibit performance drop(Strengthen), regardless of Cooling system (weaking))

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature. (Irreverent)

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops. (Irreverent)


So My answer is C
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c is the only option which talks about both the hypothesis. undermining could mean 2 things- 1. to weaken it or 2. have no effect on it.
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Some of the most advanced processors often need to rapidly switch between different tasks. However, during intensive computational activities, processors occasionally experience sudden drops in performance before resuming normal operation.

Hypothesis 1: One hypothesis is that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed;

Hypothesis 2: An alternative hypothesis is that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.

Which of the following, if discovered in computational loads, would support one of the two hypotheses and undermine the other?

A) When the computational load is suddenly increased, processors equipped with advanced cooling systems show no drop in performance, while those with standard cooling systems do.
The statement supports Hypothesis 1 that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed but does not undermine Hypothesis 2 that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.
Incorrect

B) Processors show a consistent decrease in performance as computational tasks become more complex, regardless of variations in the processor’s cooling system or voltage regulator quality.
The statement undermines Hypothesis 1 that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed and undermines Hypothesis 2 that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.
Incorrect

C) Under high computational demand, processors that maintain a stable voltage supply do not exhibit performance drops, regardless of the efficiency of their cooling system.
The statement undermines Hypothesis 1 that the processor's thermal management system is unable to cope with the heat generated during such tasks, requiring a temporary reduction in processing speed and supports Hypothesis 2 that the processor’s voltage regulators are unable to maintain a stable power supply under high demand, leading to performance drops.
Incorrect

D) When a processor’s cooling system is enhanced, it shows performance drops less frequently during computational tasks that are consistent in nature.
We are not concerned with computational tasks that are consistent in nature
Incorrect

E) The more rapidly a task switches between different computational demands, the more frequently a processor experiences performance drops.
The statement does not support/undermine any of the hypothesis since it does not mention cooling system or voltage regulators.
Incorrect

IMO C
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