Puzzle #12: Circles Minus Two

Medium · Progression · target time about 23 seconds

Which option completes the pattern?

How to solve it (answer: C)

The rule

In each row, the count goes down by two at each step. Each row and each column has one solid, hollow, and striped shape.

Step by step

Look at the top row: five striped circles, then three hollow circles, then a solid circle.
The middle row follows the same step.
The bottom row goes nine hollow circles, then seven solid circles, so next comes five striped circles.
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 number of shapes or the fill, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.

Option A: It goes the wrong way: each step removes two circles.
Option B: It changes by one instead of two.
Option D: This row already has a solid shape.
Option E: It goes the wrong way: each step removes two circles. This row already has a solid shape.
Option F: It changes by one instead of two. This row already has a solid shape.

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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