FEUCAT Abstract Reasoning — Abstract Reasoning Question TypesFlash Cards

What are the three essential steps for answering abstract reasoning questions?

1. INVENTORY - Systematically identify building blocks (shapes, colors, numbers, patterns) without guessing 2. RULE-FINDING - Look for transformations and relationships between elements 3. ELIMINATION - Apply discovered rules to eliminate wrong answer choices systematically

What building blocks should you identify during the INVENTORY step?

- Shapes with various numbers of sides (polygons) - Circles and other curved shapes - Color of shapes (shaded, unshaded, different colors) - Number of shapes in each figure - Position and orientation of elements - Size relationships between elements

Word Analogy: Oxygen : Gas. What type of relationship is this?

Category/Type relationship - Oxygen is a TYPE of gas. Other examples: - Rose : Flower (rose is a type of flower) - Sparrow : Bird (sparrow is a type of bird) - Rectangle : Polygon (rectangle is a type of polygon)

Letter Analogy: CD:FG :: PQ:?. What comes next and why?

Answer: UV Pattern: Natural alphabetical order between pairs with 2-letter gaps. CD (3rd,4th) → FG (6th,7th) [gap of 2 letters] PQ (16th,17th) → UV (21st,22nd) [gap of 2 letters]

Number Analogy: 3:21 :: 5:35. What is the relationship pattern?

Multiplication by 7 pattern: 3 × 7 = 21 5 × 7 = 35 This is a constant multiplier relationship where the first number is multiplied by the same constant (7) to get the second number.

In abstract reasoning, what does 'transformation' refer to?

Transformation refers to systematic changes occurring between figures, such as: - Rotation (clockwise/counterclockwise by specific degrees) - Reflection (mirroring across axes) - Translation (movement in specific directions) - Size changes (enlargement/reduction) - Color/shading changes - Addition/removal of elements

What is a sequence in abstract reasoning?

A sequence is a series of figures or elements that follow a specific pattern or rule. The pattern may involve: - Progressive changes in position, size, or orientation - Cyclical repetition of elements - Mathematical relationships between numbers - Systematic addition/removal of components Goal: Identify the pattern to predict the next element

How do you solve 'Odd One Out' questions?

1. Examine all options systematically 2. Look for common properties among most figures (shape, size, color, orientation, number of elements) 3. Identify which figure lacks these common properties 4. Verify by checking if the odd one violates the pattern in multiple ways 5. Common differences: different number of sides, unique orientation, different shading, or missing/extra elements

What are 'Code Letter Shapes' questions?

Questions where shapes are assigned letter codes based on their properties. To solve: 1. Compare boxes to identify what each letter represents (shape type, position, size, shading) 2. Create a key: Letter A = triangle, B = circle, etc. 3. Apply the code system to decode the unknown figure 4. Look for patterns in how letters relate to specific shape attributes

Mixed Analogy example: AB:12. What does this represent?

Each letter maps to its alphabetical position, then positions are combined: A = 1st letter, B = 2nd letter → 12 Similarly: CD:34 (C=3, D=4 → 34) This type mixes letters with their numerical positions in the alphabet.

What is an 'Empty Square' question type?

A grid or pattern with one missing square that you must complete. Strategy: 1. Analyze rows and columns for patterns 2. Look for progression rules (each row/column has specific elements) 3. Check diagonal patterns if applicable 4. Ensure the missing piece maintains overall pattern consistency 5. Verify that all elements appear the required number of times

How do you identify rotation patterns in abstract reasoning?

1. Mark a reference point on the shape (like an arrow or distinctive feature) 2. Measure the angle of rotation between consecutive figures 3. Common rotations: 45°, 90°, 180° clockwise or counterclockwise 4. Check if rotation is consistent throughout the sequence 5. Look for combined transformations (rotation + translation/scaling)

What are common rule types in figure sequences?

1. POSITION: Elements move in specific directions or patterns 2. ROTATION: Figures rotate by consistent angles 3. NUMBER: Count of elements increases/decreases systematically 4. SIZE: Elements grow/shrink progressively 5. SHADING: Fill patterns alternate or follow rules 6. SHAPE: Geometric forms change according to mathematical relationships 7. COMBINATION: Multiple rules operating simultaneously

LAIN:NAIL :: EVOL:?. What comes next and what's the pattern?

Answer: LOVE Pattern: Letter reversal - the first term is reversed to form the second term. LAIN reversed = NAIL EVOL reversed = LOVE This tests ability to recognize word/letter manipulation patterns.

What should you look for in 'Similar Shapes' questions?

Identify the common property that makes the first two figures similar, then find the third figure with the same property: - Same number of elements - Same geometric relationships - Same symmetry type - Same pattern overlay - Same proportional relationships - Same directional orientations

How do you approach number pattern sequences like: 32, 58, 92, 134, ?

1. Find first differences: 58-32=26, 92-58=34, 134-92=42 2. Find second differences: 34-26=8, 42-34=8 3. Since second difference is constant (8), next first difference is 42+8=50 4. Answer: 134+50=184 This is a quadratic sequence with constant second differences.

What are the key skills tested in Abstract Reasoning?

1. PATTERN RECOGNITION: Identifying visual and logical patterns 2. RULE DISCOVERY: Finding underlying principles governing sequences 3. HYPOTHESIS TESTING: Generating and testing possible solutions 4. CRITICAL EVALUATION: Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information 5. TRACK SHIFTING: Adapting when initial approaches don't work 6. SPATIAL REASONING: Understanding geometric relationships and transformations

Why is it important to avoid guessing in abstract reasoning?

Guessing leads to: 1. MISSED PATTERNS: You might overlook the actual rule 2. TIME WASTE: Random attempts consume valuable exam time 3. CONFUSION: Wrong approaches create mental blocks 4. REDUCED ACCURACY: Systematic analysis is more reliable Systematic inventory and rule-finding ensure higher success rates and better time management.

How do shading patterns work in abstract reasoning?

Common shading rules: 1. ALTERNATING: Every other figure is shaded 2. POSITIONAL: Specific positions are shaded based on rules 3. MATHEMATICAL: Shading based on odd/even properties 4. PROGRESSIVE: Amount of shading increases/decreases 5. CONDITIONAL: Shading depends on other figure properties Example: 'In odd figures, even-sided shapes are shaded'

What is the most efficient approach to eliminate answer choices?

1. Apply ONE rule at a time to eliminate options 2. Start with the most obvious or distinctive rule 3. Eliminate after each rule - you may not need all rules 4. If multiple options remain, look for additional subtle rules 5. Don't over-analyze - sometimes simple patterns are correct 6. Trust systematic elimination over gut feelings