Puzzle #16: Bigger With Fewer Sides

Hard · Progression · target time about 27 seconds

Which option completes the pattern?

How to solve it (answer: E)

The rule

In each row, the shape gets one size bigger and loses one side at each step.

Step by step

Look at the top row: a small solid hexagon, then a medium solid pentagon, then a large solid square.
The middle row follows the same step.
The bottom row goes a medium solid hexagon, then a large solid pentagon, so next comes a very large solid square.
Check both rules: only one option fits them both.

Tip: Find what changes by the same amount each step, then check that the amount holds in every row.

Why the wrong options look right

The wrong options keep most of the pattern and change the size or the number of sides, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.

Option A: It goes the wrong way: each step makes the shape one size bigger.
Option B: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step.
Option C: It forgets that the number of sides changes too: the shape loses one side.
Option D: It goes the wrong way: each step makes the shape one size bigger. It also misses the number of sides rule.
Option F: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step. It also misses the number of sides rule.

About progression puzzles

Something changes by the same step across a row. Read the guide to progression puzzles for the method and the common traps.

More progression puzzles

This was one progression puzzle

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