Abstract Reasoning Guide 2

Question 1

A sequence of shapes grows by adding one triangle to each side per step. Step 1 has 4 triangles, Step 2 has 8, Step 3 has 12. How many triangles are in Step 6?

Accepted Answer

24

Answer

The pattern adds 4 triangles per step, so Step 6 = 4 × 6 = 24.

Question 2

In a matrix, Row 1 is: Circle, Square, Triangle. Row 2 is: Square, Triangle, Circle. What completes Row 3?

Accepted Answer

Triangle, Circle, Square

Answer

Each row is a cyclic rotation of the previous row, so Row 3 is Triangle, Circle, Square.

Question 3

Which strategy is BEST when approaching an unfamiliar abstract reasoning question format?

Accepted Answer

Identify the simplest attribute that changes first

Answer

Starting with the simplest changing attribute (size, color, number) builds a foundation before tackling complex interactions.

Question 4

A pattern alternates between shaded and unshaded shapes. The 1st is shaded, 2nd unshaded, 3rd shaded. What is the 9th shape?

Accepted Answer

Shaded

Answer

Odd-numbered positions are shaded; the 9th position is odd, so it is shaded.

Question 5

Each figure in a series rotates 45° clockwise. The first figure points up. What direction does the 5th figure point?

Accepted Answer

Up

Answer

After 8 rotations of 45° the figure completes a full 360°; the 5th is 180° from start, but 4 × 45° = 180° so the 5th figure (4 rotations from the 1st) points down — wait, recalculating: starting at 0°, figure 2=45°, 3=90°, 4=135°, 5=180° = down.

Abstract Reasoning Practice Test

Abstract Reasoning Practice Test

Abstract Reasoning Guide 2