Puzzle #25: Stars in Common
Medium · Combination · target time about 20 seconds
Which option completes the pattern?
How to solve it (answer: A)
The rule
The third panel in each row keeps only the marks both panels share.
Step by step
- Compare the first two panels of the top row with the third.
- The middle row follows the same rule.
- Apply the same rule to the bottom row: the answer shows the bottom left dot.
Tip: Compare the first two panels mark by mark, then test each rule on the third panel.
Why the wrong options look right
The wrong options keep most of the pattern and change which marks are kept or an extra mark, so each one looks finished at a glance. Check both before you choose.
- Option B: It keeps every mark from both panels.
- Option C: It keeps the first panel's marks that the second panel lacks.
- Option D: It adds a mark that neither panel in the row has.
- Option E: It keeps every mark from both panels, and adds a mark neither panel has.
- Option F: It keeps the first panel's marks that the second panel lacks, and adds a mark neither panel has.
About combination puzzles
Two cells combine into the third. Read the guide to combination puzzles for the method and the common traps.
More combination puzzles
- #5 · EasyAdding Marks
- #9 · MediumSubtracting Marks
- #13 · MediumShared Marks
- #17 · HardMarks in Only One
- #19 · HardExclusive Marks and Shapes
- #26 · MediumStars in Only One
This was one combination 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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