yes. The pattern can be in a larger string. 
ax.x.x      # is valid
ax.x.xaa    # is valid

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yes. The pattern x.x.x is allowed to be multiple times in the string. But it is enough to find it at least one time.

In reply to Re^2: Regular Expression: search two times for the same number of any signs by Anonymous Monk
in thread Regular Expression: search two times for the same number of any signs by Anonymous Monk

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