Puzzle #22: Fewer Shapes Each Step

Hard · Progression · target time about 30 seconds

Which option completes the pattern?

How to solve it (answer: D)

The rule

In each row, the count goes down by one at each step. Each row and each column has one cross, triangle, and circle.

Step by step

Look at the top row: three solid crosses, then two solid circles, then a solid triangle.
The middle row follows the same step.
The bottom row goes five solid triangles, then four solid crosses, so next comes three solid 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 shape, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.

Option A: It goes the wrong way: each step removes one circle.
Option B: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step.
Option C: It forgets that the shape changes too: each row has one of each.
Option E: It goes the wrong way: each step removes one circle. It forgets that the shape changes too: each row has one of each.
Option F: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step. It also misses the shape 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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