🎯 Spatial and Visual Reasoning – Pattern Recognition
✅ What is Pattern Recognition?
Pattern recognition is the ability to observe, identify, and predict a sequence or structure based on visual patterns. This includes shapes, figures, symbols, or images that follow a logical or mathematical rule.
It is a core component of non-verbal reasoning, testing your observation skills, attention to detail, and logical thinking.
🧠 Importance in Exams
| Reasoning Skill Tested | Examples |
|---|---|
| Observation | Identify missing part of a figure |
| Sequence Logic | Find the next image in a pattern |
| Visualization | Rotated or mirrored figures |
| Analytical Thinking | Matrix and odd-one-out puzzles |
📚 Types of Pattern Recognition Questions
🔹 1. Series Completion
You are given a sequence of figures that follow a certain pattern. You must choose the next figure.
📌 Example: 🟦 → 🟨 → 🟥 → ?
🧠 Pattern: Color sequence (Blue → Yellow → Red)
✅ Answer: 🟩 (Green, if following color wheel)
🔹 2. Missing Figure (Matrix Pattern)
A 3×3 grid of images is shown with one image missing. You must find the image that completes the logic in rows/columns.
📌 Example:
🔺 🟦 🟢
🟦 🔺 🟢
🔺 🟦 ?
🧠 Pattern: Repeating shape sequence
✅ Answer: 🟢
🔹 3. Odd One Out
Identify the figure that doesn’t follow the same pattern as others.
📌 Example: Four shapes rotate by 90° clockwise, but one doesn't.
✅ Strategy:
- Compare position, angle, size, and count of elements
🔹 4. Mirror and Water Images
These test your ability to visualize the reflection of an image.
📌 Mirror Image: Vertical reflection
📌 Water Image: Horizontal reflection
✅ Tip: Letters like A, M, T, U, V look similar in mirror; others like F, P, R, Q, L change
🔹 5. Embedded Figures
You must find if a smaller shape is hidden inside a complex diagram.
✅ Tip: Look for outlines, match segments, and rotate if needed.
🔹 6. Paper Folding/Cutting
You see how a paper is folded and cut, then must predict the unfolded result.
📌 Types:
- Single fold
- Multiple folds with cuts
- Hole punching
✅ Tip: Mirror the cuts along each fold line in reverse order
🔹 7. Figure Rotation
You are given a figure rotated at different angles (90°, 180°, etc.) and must identify the correct or original orientation.
✅ Tip: Track corners or direction of arrows/symbols
🛠️ General Strategy to Solve
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Observe all options carefully |
| 2️⃣ | Compare figures step-by-step |
| 3️⃣ | Look for changes in shape, position, number, angle, symmetry |
| 4️⃣ | Eliminate illogical options |
| 5️⃣ | Use Venn, grid, or sketch if needed |
📐 Symbols and Concepts to Note
| Concept | What to Observe |
|---|---|
| Rotation | Clockwise/Anticlockwise angle changes |
| Reflection | Mirror (vertical) or Water (horizontal) |
| Symmetry | Vertical, horizontal, or diagonal symmetry |
| Position Shift | Element movement across rows/columns |
| Size Change | Progressive increase/decrease in size |
| Number Pattern | Increment or decrement in number of shapes |
🔎 Sample Practice Questions
Q1. Series Completion
🟦 → 🟨 → 🟥 → 🟦 → ?
🧠 Answer: 🟨 (Cycle repeats every 3 steps)
Q2. Odd One Out
A. 🔻 rotated 90°
B. 🔻 rotated 180°
C. 🔻 rotated
270°
D. 🔺 unchanged
✅ Answer: D (Did not rotate like the others)
Q3. Mirror Image
Find the mirror image of: F
🧠 Answer: F appears reversed (like flipping along the vertical axis)
Q4. Paper Folding
A square paper is folded twice and a hole is punched in the corner. What does it look like when unfolded?
✅ Tip: Mirror the punch along each fold. Total holes = 4 in symmetrical layout.
✅ Conclusion
Pattern recognition sharpens logical thinking and spatial visualization. With consistent practice of question types like series, mirror images, paper folding, and odd-one-out, you can excel in competitive exams and logical reasoning tests. Stay sharp and keep practicing!