Puzzle #20: Counting Down Mixed Shapes
Hard · Distribution · target time about 32 seconds
Which option completes the pattern?
How to solve it (answer: F)
The rule
In each row, the count goes down by one at each step. Each row and column has one of each shape and fill.
Step by step
- Look at the top row: eight striped stars, then seven hollow triangles, then six solid squares.
- The middle row uses the same values in a different order.
- The bottom row has nine solid squares and eight striped stars, so it is missing seven hollow triangles.
- Check all three rules: only one option fits every one of them.
Tip: List what each row already has, then pick the one value the row is missing.
Why the wrong options look right
The wrong options keep most of the pattern and change the shape or the number of shapes, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.
- Option A: This row already has a square.
- Option B: This row already has a star.
- Option C: It forgets that the count changes too: the count goes down by one.
- Option D: This row already has a square. It forgets that the count changes too: the count goes down by one.
- Option E: This row already has a star. It forgets that the count changes too: the count goes down by one.
About distribution puzzles
Each element appears once per row and column. Read the guide to distribution puzzles for the method and the common traps.
More distribution puzzles
- #3 · EasyOne of Each Shape
- #7 · EasyFills and Shapes
- #11 · MediumShapes in Three Sizes
- #15 · HardThree Rules at Once
- #27 · EasySolid, Hollow, Dotted
- #28 · MediumThree Hexagon Sizes
This was one distribution puzzle
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