Non-Verbal Reasoning • Topic 1 of 5

Figure Series & Analogy

A figure series changes by a consistent rule — rotation by a fixed angle, adding/removing an element, shading shifting one step, or a shape growing. Identify the single transformation from one figure to the next and continue it. Figure analogy (A:B :: C:?) applies the A→B change to C.

What changes between figures?

A figure series is built on one (sometimes two) consistent transformations. Check them in this order:

TransformationWhat to look for
Rotationthe whole figure turns a fixed angle each step (45°, 90°, 180°)
Reflectionthe figure flips left-right or top-bottom
Addition / removalan element (line, dot, side) is added or removed each step
Shading / movementa shaded part moves one position (often clockwise) each step

Rotation — the most common rule

up → right → down
Each step rotates the arrow 90° clockwise: up → right → down → (next) left.
Track one feature at a time. If a figure both rotates and changes shading, solve the rotation first, then the shading. A figure analogy (A:B :: C:?) is the same idea — find the change from A to B and apply the identical change to C.

✅ Solved examples

1. An arrow rotates 90° clockwise each step. After pointing up, then right, what is next?
Continue clockwise: down.
2. A figure adds one dot each step: 1, 2, 3 dots. Next?
4 dots.
3. A:B is "rotate 90° clockwise". If C points North, C:? is?
East (90° clockwise).
4. Shading moves one segment clockwise each step. After top, then right, next?
Bottom.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Arrow rotates 90° anticlockwise; now points East. Next?
Anticlockwise.
—
—
North
2. Dots: 2, 4, 6. Next?
+2.
—
—
8
3. Rotate 180°: up becomes?
Half turn.
—
—
Down
4. Shading clockwise from right, next is?
One step.
—
—
Bottom
5. Rotate 90° clockwise: left becomes?
Quarter turn.
—
—
Up

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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