Puzzle #8: Losing Sides
Easy · Progression · target time about 19 seconds
Which option completes the pattern?
How to solve it (answer: A)
The rule
In each row, the shape loses one side at each step.
Step by step
- Look at the top row: a solid hexagon, then a solid pentagon, then a solid square.
- The middle row follows the same step.
- The bottom row goes a solid hexagon, then a solid pentagon, so next comes a solid square.
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 sides or the fill, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.
- Option B: It goes the wrong way: each step removes one side.
- Option C: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step.
- Option D: Every square in the grid is solid, but this one is hollow.
- Option E: It goes the wrong way: each step removes one side. Every square in the grid is solid, but this one is hollow.
- Option F: It repeats the panel next to the gap instead of taking one more step. The fill changed too.
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
- #1 · EasyDisappearing Triangles
- #4 · EasyGrowing Crosses
- #12 · MediumCircles Minus Two
- #16 · HardBigger With Fewer Sides
- #21 · MediumPolygon Countdown
- #22 · HardFewer Shapes Each Step
This was one progression puzzle
The Cogniva test has 20 puzzles across four pattern types and gives you a free score band in about 7 minutes.
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