Figure series: Reasoning Ability Notes for Uttar Pradesh TET (Teacher Eligibility)

📊 Uttar Pradesh TET – Reasoning Ability

📐 Figure Series

What you’ll find in the exam
A figure is shown (often 3–4 images) and you’re asked to choose the next figure from a list of options.
The pattern can involve shape, colour, size, orientation, number of elements, or combinations of these.

1️⃣ Simple Explanation

A figure series is a visual analogue to number series.
You look for a rule that transforms one figure into the next.
Once you spot the rule, you apply it to the last figure to get the missing one.

Key idea: Treat the figure as a set of attributes (shape, colour, position, orientation, count, etc.) and find the relationship between successive figures.

2️⃣ Key Points & Checklist

#	What to check	Why it matters
1	Shape identity	Are the basic shapes changing (square ↔ triangle)?
2	Orientation/Rotation	Does a shape rotate 90°, 180°, or 270° each step?
3	Translation / Shift	Is the figure sliding left/right/up/down?
4	Scaling	Are the shapes growing or shrinking?
5	Number of elements	Is an element added/removed each step?
6	Colour	Does the colour cycle or change?
7	Symmetry / Mirror	Are figures mirrored horizontally/vertically?
8	Combination of attributes	Often two or more attributes change simultaneously.
9	*Look at the whole* figure**	Sometimes the rule applies to the arrangement (e.g., triangle → square → circle → triangle).
10	Check all options	The correct answer will satisfy all observed changes.

3️⃣ Common Patterns

Pattern	Example	How to spot it
Rotation	Figure rotates 90° clockwise each step.	Notice the change in orientation.
Translation	Figure moves one unit right each step.	Look at the relative position of the element.
Size change	Square’s side length increases by 1 unit each step.	Measure relative dimensions or count dots.
Shape change	Square → Triangle → Hexagon.	Count sides or vertices.
Colour cycle	Red → Green → Blue → Red.	Colours repeat in a fixed order.
Mirror	Left‑right flip.	Observe symmetrical layout.
Addition / Removal	One dot added each step.	Count elements.
Combined	Triangle rotates 90° and adds a dot.	Identify two simultaneous changes.

4️⃣ Step‑by‑Step Problem‑Solving Strategy

Copy the figures (or mentally sketch them).
List attributes for each figure (shape, colour, orientation, size).
Compare successive pairs – note which attribute(s) change.
Formulate the rule – e.g., “rotate 90° clockwise” or “add one red dot.”
Apply the rule to the last figure to predict the missing one.
Cross‑check with all options – the correct option must follow the rule exactly.

5️⃣ Worked Example

Question
A series of four figures is shown. The next figure is missing.
(Options A–D are shown as images – you’ll have to imagine them.)

Step 1 – Identify the figures

Fig.	Shape	Orientation	Colour	Elements
1	Square	Upright	Red	1
2	Square	Rotated 90°	Red	1
3	Square	Rotated 180°	Red	1
4	Square	Rotated 270°	Red	1

Step 2 – Spot the rule

The shape remains a square.
The square is rotating 90° clockwise each step.
Colour and number of elements stay constant.

Step 3 – Predict the missing figure

After rotating 270° clockwise, the next rotation (step 5) will bring the square back to the upright position (0°).
Colour stays red, one square remains.

Step 4 – Match with options

Option B shows a red square upright – correct.

Answer: Option B

6️⃣ Quick Revision Summary

Topic	What to Remember
Definition	Visual pattern recognition with shapes, colours, orientation, etc.
Common changes	Rotation, translation, scaling, shape, colour, symmetry, element count.
Analysis steps	1. List attributes 2. Compare pairs 3. Derive rule 4. Predict 5. Verify.
Tip	If unsure, test each rule against all options; the correct one will satisfy the rule exactly.
Practice	Solve 10–15 figure‑series problems daily; focus on mixed‑attribute patterns.

📌 Final Tip for TET Exam

Time‑Management:

30‑second rule: If a clear pattern emerges, move to the next question quickly.

If you’re stuck, skip and return if time permits.

Always double‑check the chosen option; a single mis‑rotated shape can throw you off.

Good luck! 🚀