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[soon0608]

How are you?
i have a question about the word difference.
plz answer my question ASAP, adding your explanation.
thank you in advance.

the following question is ...

Most scientists start an investigation by finding out what other scientists have learned about a particular problem. After known facts have been gathered, the scientist comes to the part of the investigation that requires considerable imagination. Possible solutions to the problem are formulated. These possible solutions are called (these)which extend the scientist's thinking beyond the known facts. The scientist plans experiments, performs calculations, and makes observations to test these. Without these, further investigation lacks purpose and direction. When these are confirmed, these are incorporated into theories.

i think the word(these) in parenthesis is hypothesis.
is there any answer except hypothesis?
how about fiction or assumption ?
if these words are possible, plz let me know why they are.

[CP]

You are on the right track.

Since it is a plural noun, you want the plural of hypothesis, which is hypotheses.

A hypothesis is derived from a theory, subjected to test by observation or experimentation. If the results come out as hypothesized, then the theory gets some support. If not, not.
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