Repeated Character

A character is accidentally typed twice in succession.

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A character is accidentally typed twice in succession.

Repeated character errors occur when a typist accidentally presses a key twice, creating an unwanted duplicate character. This is common with fast typing or when a key is slightly sticky. The result is a string that is one character longer than intended.

Original character at position N is duplicated: ABC → ABBC

12345 → 123345 (3 repeated)
HELLO → HELLLO (L repeated)
AB-1234 → AB-12234 (2 repeated)

How to recognize it

String is one character longer than original
Look for adjacent identical characters
One character appears twice in sequence

Common mistakes

Confusing with addition of different character
Missing the duplicate in longer strings
Not noticing legitimate double letters

Step-by-step walkthrough

Find the error: Original 'HELLO' vs Given 'HELLLO'

Check lengths: original has 5 characters, given has 6
Compare position 1: 'H' = 'H'
Compare position 2: 'E' = 'E'
Compare position 3: 'L' = 'L'
Compare position 4: 'L' = 'L'
Compare position 5: 'O' vs 'L' - extra 'L' found
The letter 'L' was typed twice at position 4

Answer: Repeated character error: 'L' typed twice, creating 'LLL' instead of 'LL'

Practice guidance

Error Checking