Introduction
Figural Series is a key topic in SSC CGL Tier-I Reasoning. It tests your ability to identify patterns in sequences of figures and predict the next figure. Figures may change in shape, size, orientation, number of elements, or position. Mastering this topic improves speed and accuracy in the exam.
Basic Patterns in Figural Series
In figural series, figures change according to a rule. Common rules include rotation (clockwise or anticlockwise), reflection, addition or removal of elements, change in size, or movement of elements within the figure. The pattern may involve one or more transformations applied sequentially.
Key Points
- Rotation: The figure rotates by a fixed angle (e.g., 90° clockwise) in each step.
- Addition/Removal: Elements like lines, dots, or shapes are added or removed in a consistent manner.
- Size change: The figure may grow or shrink progressively.
- Movement: Parts of the figure move to different positions (e.g., clockwise around a circle).
Solved Example 1
Question: A series of figures: a square with a dot at top-left, then dot at top-right, then bottom-right, then bottom-left. What is the next figure?
Solution: Dot at top-left again.
Explanation: The dot moves clockwise around the corners of the square. After bottom-left, it returns to top-left.
Complex Patterns: Multiple Transformations
Sometimes a figure undergoes two or more changes simultaneously. For example, a shape may rotate while also changing size, or elements may be added while others are removed. You need to track each transformation separately and combine them.
Key Points
- Track each element independently: position, orientation, number, and type.
- Look for alternating patterns: odd and even steps may follow different rules.
- Check for symmetry: reflection across vertical or horizontal axis.
- Consider the overall sequence: sometimes the pattern repeats after a few steps.
Solved Example 1
Question: A series: a triangle pointing up, then a triangle pointing down, then a triangle pointing up, then down. What is the next?
Solution: Triangle pointing up.
Explanation: The triangle alternates between pointing up and down. So after down, it points up again.
Practice Questions
Q1. A series of figures: a circle with one line inside, then two lines, then three lines, then four lines. What is the next figure?
Answer: A circle with five lines.
Explanation: The number of lines inside the circle increases by one in each step. So after four lines, the next has five lines.
Q2. A series: a small square inside a large square, then the small square moves to the top-right corner, then bottom-right, then bottom-left. What is the next?
Answer: Small square at top-left corner.
Explanation: The small square moves clockwise around the corners of the large square. After bottom-left, it goes to top-left.
Q3. A series: an arrow pointing north, then east, then south, then west. What is the next direction?
Answer: North.
Explanation: The arrow rotates 90° clockwise each time. After west, it points north again.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a pattern without checking all given figures; always verify the rule with every step.
- Ignoring multiple transformations happening at once; break down the figure into parts and track each separately.
- Overlooking alternating patterns; check if odd and even steps follow different rules.
- Rushing and missing subtle changes like size or number of elements; examine each figure carefully.
Quick Revision
- Identify the transformation: rotation, reflection, addition, removal, size change, or movement.
- Check for alternating patterns: odd and even steps may differ.
- Track each element separately: position, orientation, number, and type.
- Verify the rule with all given figures before predicting the next.
- Practice with varied series to improve speed and accuracy.