Answer from cs61c-ei (Jing Chen 16669246) for Question 1
No, if the two MIPS instructions were different, then they could have similar bit patterns but never the same. MIPS instructions come in two different formats: R-type, normally used for arithmetic instructions, and I-type, normally used for data transfers. All instructions are 32 bits and contain various fields that instruct what type of operation is being done, source registers, destination registers, etc. The I-type format allows for a 16-bit address, which allows operations to be done on more complicated data structures like arrays, etc. Therefore, every field is unique in its purpose and will carry different bit patterns.