FEUCAT Abstract Reasoning — Abstract Reasoning Question TypesSlides
Slide deck for FEUCAT Abstract Reasoning — Abstract Reasoning Question Types. These slides are built for quick visual review, highlighting the key concepts, formulas, and question patterns from this chapter of the FEUCAT 2026 syllabus.
Exam context
On the FEUCAT 2026, the Abstract Reasoning subtest carries a "Core" weight in Far Eastern University's pattern. Abstract Reasoning Question Types lands at position 1st out of 5 in the standard review order. Target score is Competitive overall score, and roughly a meaningful share of items come from Abstract Reasoning on a typical FEUCAT paper.
Abstract Reasoning Question Types - Slides
Abstract reasoning is a critical cognitive skill that assesses your ability to identify patterns, relationships, and logical sequences among abstract shapes and symbols. This chapter will equip you with systematic approaches to tackle various abstract reasoning question types commonly found in Philippine college entrance examinations like UPCAT, ACET, USTET, and other CETs. You'll learn to analyze visual patterns, apply logical thinking, and develop problem-solving strategies essential for success in these competitive exams.
Slides
What is Abstract Reasoning?
Abstract reasoning goes beyond language and numerical skills to test your pure logical thinking ability. It's particularly important because it measures cognitive skills that are fundamental to academic success across all disciplines.
Notes
Foundation slide establishing the importance of abstract reasoning in Philippine entrance exams
Topic
Introduction to Abstract Reasoning
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S1
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mermaid
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1
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Abstract Reasoning)) Pattern Recognition Visual Sequences Shape Relationships Geometric Transformations Critical Thinking Hypothesis Generation Rule Identification Logical Evaluation Applications UPCAT ACET USTET Other CETs
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the core components and applications of abstract reasoning
The 3-Step Systematic Approach
This proven three-step method ensures you approach abstract reasoning questions methodically rather than relying on intuition or guessing. It's designed to maximize accuracy while minimizing time spent on each question.
Notes
Core methodology that students will apply throughout all question types
Topic
Problem-Solving Strategy
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S2
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mermaid
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2
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Start Question] --> B[fa:fa-search Step 1: INVENTORY] B --> C[Identify shapes, colors, positions] C --> D[fa:fa-cogs Step 2: RULE-FINDING] D --> E[Look for patterns and transformations] E --> F[fa:fa-check Step 3: ELIMINATION] F --> G[Apply rules to answer choices] G --> H[fa:fa-star Select correct answer]
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mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing the systematic 3-step approach to solving abstract reasoning questions
Step 1: Inventory - Building Block Analysis
The inventory step is crucial because it forces you to systematically examine every element in the question. This prevents you from missing important details that could lead to incorrect conclusions.
Notes
Emphasize thoroughness in the inventory phase to avoid missing crucial details
Topic
Inventory Technique
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S3
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mermaid
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3
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((INVENTORY)) Shapes Triangles Squares Circles Polygons Properties Color Size Position Orientation Patterns Shading Texture Arrangement Groupings
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mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map of elements to inventory when analyzing abstract reasoning figures
Step 2: Rule-Finding - Pattern Discovery
Rule-finding is the analytical heart of abstract reasoning. Once you identify one rule, it often reveals others. The key is to be systematic and consider multiple types of transformations.
Notes
Students should test multiple pattern types systematically
Topic
Pattern Recognition
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S4
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mermaid
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4
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Examine Figures] --> B{Pattern Type?} B -->|Geometric| C[Rotation/Reflection] B -->|Numerical| D[Count/Progression] B -->|Color/Shade| E[Alternating/Conditional] B -->|Position| F[Movement/Location] C --> G[Test Pattern] D --> G E --> G F --> G G --> H{Pattern Confirmed?} H -->|Yes| I[fa:fa-check Rule Found] H -->|No| J[Try Next Pattern] J --> B
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Decision flowchart for identifying different types of patterns in abstract reasoning
Step 3: Elimination Strategy
The elimination step transforms your discovered rules into practical problem-solving power. By applying rules systematically, you can confidently eliminate wrong answers and identify the correct one.
Notes
Emphasize that elimination is often faster than finding all possible rules
Topic
Answer Selection Strategy
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S5
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mermaid
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5
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Apply Rule 1] --> B[Eliminate Violations] B --> C{One Answer Left?} C -->|Yes| D[fa:fa-star Final Answer] C -->|No| E[Apply Rule 2] E --> F[Eliminate More Violations] F --> G{One Answer Left?} G -->|Yes| D G -->|No| H[Apply Next Rule] H --> F
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Systematic elimination process using discovered rules
Series and Sequence Questions
Series questions test your ability to identify and continue patterns. They're among the most common types in Philippine entrance exams and require careful analysis of how figures change from one to the next.
Notes
Emphasize consistency - the same transformation should apply throughout the series
Topic
Series Completion
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S6
Visual Type
mermaid
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6
Mermaid Diagram
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sequenceDiagram participant F1 as Figure 1 participant F2 as Figure 2 participant F3 as Figure 3 participant F4 as Figure 4 participant Answer as ? F1->>F2: Transform A F2->>F3: Transform A F3->>F4: Transform A F4->>Answer: Transform A
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing consistent transformation pattern across figures
Analogy Questions - Visual Relationships
Visual analogies test your ability to identify relationships between shapes and apply the same relationship to a new pair. This requires understanding the specific nature of the transformation.
Notes
Key insight: the relationship between A and B must be identical to the relationship between C and the answer
Topic
Visual Analogies
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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7
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Figure A] -->|Transformation| B[Figure B] C[Figure C] -->|Same Transformation| D[Answer ?] E[Identify Relationship] --> F[Apply to New Pair]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Visual analogy structure showing how transformations apply across pairs
Pattern Completion Questions
Pattern completion requires understanding the overall structure of a figure grid. You must identify rules that govern rows, columns, or the entire pattern to determine what belongs in the empty space.
Notes
Students must check patterns in multiple directions to find the correct answer
Topic
Pattern Completion
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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8
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Analyze Grid] --> B[Check Row Patterns] A --> C[Check Column Patterns] A --> D[Check Diagonal Patterns] B --> E[Apply Row Rules] C --> F[Apply Column Rules] D --> G[Apply Diagonal Rules] E --> H[Find Common Solution] F --> H G --> H H --> I[fa:fa-star Missing Piece]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Multi-directional analysis required for pattern completion questions
Odd One Out Questions
Odd one out questions test your ability to identify what makes one item different from a group. You must first identify what the majority have in common, then find which one doesn't fit.
Notes
Remind students that the majority rule determines what's 'normal' - the exception is the answer
Topic
Classification and Differentiation
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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9
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Examine All Figures] --> B[Identify Common Properties] B --> C{Which Property?} C -->|Shape| D[Check Shape Types] C -->|Orientation| E[Check Directions] C -->|Pattern| F[Check Arrangements] C -->|Count| G[Check Numbers] D --> H[Find Exception] E --> H F --> H G --> H H --> I[fa:fa-star Odd One Out]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Systematic approach to identifying the odd one out by examining different properties
Matrix Reasoning Questions
Matrix reasoning combines multiple pattern recognition skills. You must understand how elements change both horizontally and vertically to determine what belongs in the empty cell.
Notes
Matrix questions are complex but systematic analysis of rows and columns reveals the answer
Topic
Matrix Pattern Recognition
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S10
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mermaid
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10
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[3x3 Matrix] --> B[Analyze Row 1] A --> C[Analyze Row 2] A --> D[Analyze Column 1] A --> E[Analyze Column 2] B --> F[Identify Row Pattern] C --> F D --> G[Identify Column Pattern] E --> G F --> H[Apply to Missing Cell] G --> H H --> I[fa:fa-star Final Answer]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Matrix analysis approach examining both horizontal and vertical patterns
Word Analogy Fundamentals
Word analogies test your understanding of relationships between concepts. Success requires identifying the specific type of relationship and applying it consistently to the second pair.
Notes
Understanding relationship types is key to solving word analogies quickly
Topic
Word Relationships
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Word Relationships)) Category Type Classification Genus Species Class Member Function Purpose Use Tool Action Cause Effect Measurement Unit Quantity Scale Value Standard Amount Specialty Expert Field Professional Domain Skill Area
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Types of relationships commonly found in word analogies
Letter and Number Analogies
Letter and number analogies test pattern recognition in symbolic systems. They often involve alphabetical positions, mathematical operations, or sequence manipulations.
Notes
Letter analogies often use A=1, B=2, etc. Number analogies use basic arithmetic operations
Topic
Symbolic Pattern Recognition
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Letter/Number Pair] --> B{Pattern Type?} B -->|Position| C[Alphabetical Order] B -->|Math| D[Arithmetic Operation] B -->|Sequence| E[Arrangement Pattern] B -->|Mixed| F[Letter-Number Combo] C --> G[Apply Same Pattern] D --> G E --> G F --> G G --> H[fa:fa-check Complete Analogy]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification of pattern types in letter and number analogies
Complex Pattern Examples
Complex patterns involve multiple elements that transform independently according to their own rules. Success requires tracking each element separately and then combining the results.
Notes
Students must track each element independently before combining for the final answer
Topic
Multi-element Patterns
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S13
Visual Type
mermaid
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13
Mermaid Diagram
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stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Element1 [*] --> Element2 [*] --> Element3 Element1 --> Pattern1: Rule A Element2 --> Pattern2: Rule B Element3 --> Pattern3: Rule C Pattern1 --> Combined Pattern2 --> Combined Pattern3 --> Combined Combined --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing how multiple independent elements combine in complex patterns
Time Management Strategies
Effective time management is crucial in timed exams. The systematic approach helps you work efficiently, while strategic decision-making ensures you maximize your overall score.
Notes
Emphasize that strategic skipping can improve overall performance
Topic
Exam Strategy
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
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14
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Start Question] --> B{Easy Pattern?} B -->|Yes| C[Apply 3-Step Method] B -->|No| D{Time Left > 2 min?} D -->|Yes| E[Attempt Solution] D -->|No| F[Skip and Mark] C --> G[Select Answer] E --> H{Found Answer?} H -->|Yes| G H -->|No| F F --> I[Continue to Next] G --> J{More Questions?} J -->|Yes| A J -->|No| K[Return to Skipped]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Time management decision tree for abstract reasoning questions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding common pitfalls helps you avoid them during actual exams. Most mistakes come from incomplete analysis or rushing through the systematic approach.
Notes
Prevention through awareness - students should actively avoid these common errors
Topic
Error Prevention
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S15
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mermaid
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15
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-times Common Mistakes] --> B[Incomplete Inventory] A --> C[Single Element Focus] A --> D[Assumption Without Testing] A --> E[Inadequate Rule Checking] B --> F[fa:fa-warning Missing Details] C --> G[fa:fa-warning Partial Patterns] D --> H[fa:fa-warning Wrong Conclusions] E --> I[fa:fa-warning Incorrect Answers]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Common mistakes and their consequences in abstract reasoning
Practice and Preparation Tips
Consistent practice is essential for developing abstract reasoning skills. Focus on building systematic habits and learning from your mistakes to improve continuously.
Notes
Consistent practice over time is more effective than cramming
Topic
Study Planning
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S16
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mermaid
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16
Mermaid Diagram
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timeline title Preparation Timeline Week 1-2 : Learn 3-Step Method : Master Basic Patterns Week 3-4 : Practice Question Types : Build Speed Week 5-6 : Timed Practice Tests : Review Mistakes Week 7-8 : Final Review : Exam Strategies
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Suggested 8-week preparation timeline for abstract reasoning mastery
References
- CET 2026 Comprehensive Lecture Notes - Abstract Reasoning
- The UPCAT Champion CET - Non Verbal Reasoning
- Philippine College Entrance Test Guidelines and Syllabi
- Abstract Reasoning Practice Materials for UPCAT, ACET, USTET
In summary
Abstract reasoning is a learnable skill that requires systematic approach and consistent practice. The three-step method of Inventory, Rule-Finding, and Elimination provides a reliable framework for tackling any abstract reasoning question. Remember that success comes from methodical analysis rather than quick guessing. Master the various question types through practice, learn from your mistakes, and develop efficient time management strategies. With proper preparation using these techniques, you'll be well-equipped to excel in the abstract reasoning sections of Philippine college entrance examinations.
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