Puzzle #5: Adding Marks

Easy · Combination · target time about 16 seconds

Which option completes the pattern?

How to solve it (answer: A)

The rule

The third panel in each row keeps every mark from both panels.

Step by step

Look at the top row: four marks, then the top left dot, the bottom left dot, and the bottom right dot, then seven marks.
The middle row follows the same rule.
Apply the same rule to the bottom row: the answer shows six marks.

Tip: Compare the first two panels mark by mark, then test each rule on the third panel.

Why the wrong options look right

The wrong options keep most of the pattern and change which marks are kept or an extra mark, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.

Option B: It keeps the first panel's marks that the second panel lacks.
Option C: It keeps the second panel's marks that the first panel lacks.
Option D: It adds a mark that neither panel in the row has.
Option E: It keeps the first panel's marks that the second panel lacks, and adds a mark neither panel has.
Option F: It keeps the second panel's marks that the first panel lacks, and adds a mark neither panel has.

About combination puzzles

Two cells combine into the third. Read the guide to combination puzzles for the method and the common traps.

More combination puzzles

This was one combination puzzle

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