Figure series: Reasoning Ability Notes for Kerala Police Constable

Kerala Police Constable – Reasoning Ability

Figure Series – Study Notes

1. Simple Explanation

Figure series is a type of reasoning problem where a sequence of shapes, symbols or figures is given.
The task is to predict the next figure in the series by detecting the underlying pattern (size, colour, rotation, number of elements, position, etc.).
It tests visual perception, spatial reasoning, and pattern‑recognition – skills crucial for police work (e.g., interpreting surveillance images, maps, or diagrams).

2. Key Points – How to Crack a Figure Series

#	Step	What to Look For	Typical Cues
1	Identify the elements	Shape type (circle, square, triangle, etc.)	Repeating shapes, new shapes introduced
2	Check position & orientation	Left/right, top/bottom, rotation, mirror	Flip, rotate, shift
3	Count the elements	Number of shapes, dots inside shapes	Increment/decrement by 1, 2, factorial, etc.
4	Look at colour & shading	Colour change, pattern inside figure	Alternating colours, colour progression
5	Observe size & scale	Size increase/decrease, thickness of lines	Linear scaling, exponential scaling
6	Combine multiple attributes	Sometimes several attributes change simultaneously	E.g., shape + colour + number
7	Check for symmetry or repetition	Mirror symmetry, rotational symmetry	180°/360° rotation patterns
8	Check for “missing” element	A figure may be “skipped” or reversed	Reverse the series, time‑reversal
9	Test the hypothesis	Write down the rule, apply to next figure	If it fails, re‑evaluate from step 1

Tip: Always start with the simplest attribute (shape type, number of elements). Once you find a pattern there, see if other attributes follow the same or a related rule.

3. Worked Example

Series

▲  ▼  ▲  ▼  ▲  ▼  ▲  ▼

Task: Find the 9th figure.

Step‑by‑Step Solution

Position	Figure	Observation
1	▲	Triangle pointing up
2	▼	Triangle pointing down
3	▲	Same as 1
4	▼	Same as 2
5	▲	Same as 1
6	▼	Same as 2
7	▲	Same as 1
8	▼	Same as 2

Pattern identified: The series alternates between an upward and downward pointing triangle.
The rule: Odd positions → ▲, Even positions → ▼.

Prediction:

Position 9 is odd → ▲.

More Complex Example

1st figure:   (●)          (one dot inside a circle)
2nd figure:   (●●)         (two dots inside a circle)
3rd figure:   (●●●)        (three dots inside a circle)
4th figure:   (○)          (empty circle)

Find the 5th figure.

Analysis

Position	Figure	Elements	Observation
1	●	1 dot	1 dot inside circle
2	●●	2 dots	2 dots inside circle
3	●●●	3 dots	3 dots inside circle
4	○	0 dots	Empty circle

First pattern: Number of dots increases by 1 each time.
Fourth figure breaks the pattern (0 dots).
The 4th figure introduces a new attribute: empty circle.

Hypothesis:

The series may be alternating between “filled” and “empty” circles while also increasing the dot count when filled.

Check:

Positions 1, 2, 3 are all filled circles with 1, 2, 3 dots respectively.
Position 4 is empty (0 dots).
Therefore, the next (5th) figure should be filled again, with 4 dots.

Answer: ●●●● (a circle with four dots inside).

4. Quick Revision Summary

Topic	What to Remember
Start Simple	Identify shape type first.
Count Elements	Look for incremental changes in number of dots, lines, etc.
Check Orientation	Rotation, flip, mirror.
Colour Rules	Alternating colours or colour gradients.
Size & Scale	Linear or exponential change in dimensions.
Combined Attributes	Sometimes two or more attributes change together.
Test Hypothesis	Write rule, apply to next term; if fails, re‑evaluate.
Time Management	Spend ≤ 1 min on each series; use quick checks first.

5. Practice Tip

Create your own series: Draw 5–6 figures varying shape, size, colour, and orientation.
Predict the next: This trains you to spot patterns in a few seconds – a critical skill for the exam.

Good luck with your preparation!