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Which of the following is correct?

a k-objective optimization problem

an k-objective optimization problem

Community
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william007
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    Use *a* before consonant sounds and *an* before vowel sounds. *K* begins with the consonant /k/ (it's pronounced /keɪ/), so you say *a*. –  Mar 15 '14 at 02:03

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"a k-objective optimization problem" is correct because you use a before a word that starts with a consonant. "An" is seen in front of words that begin with a vowel, unless there is some time of exception to the rule.

Laura
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  • Well, no; as stated in snailboat’s comment and the [Should individual letters be preceded with “an”?](http://ell.stackexchange.com/q/6760/357) question, the rule is based on how the word or letter _is pronounced_. So, while “a k-objective optimization problem” is correct, it would be “_an_ n-variable problem” or “_an_ XY problem” (or “an hour”). – Scott - Слава Україні Dec 23 '14 at 19:16