Figure series: Reasoning Ability Notes for Odisha Patwari / Lekhpal

Figure Series – Reasoning Ability (Odisha Patwari / Lekhpal)

Figure series (also called visual series) are a common type of question in reasoning tests.
You are given a set of figures (shapes, lines, dots, or grids) and asked to predict the next figure in the sequence.
Success depends on spotting the underlying pattern – size, orientation, colour, symmetry, number of elements, etc.

1. Simple Explanation

Definition: A figure series is a sequence of geometric figures that follow a rule or a set of rules.
Goal: Identify the rule and apply it to find the missing figure or the next figure.
Typical patterns:
1. Addition/Subtraction of elements (e.g., one more dot each step).
2. Rotation/Reflection (figure rotates 90°, 180°, or flips).
3. Scaling (size increases or decreases).
4. Colour change (alternating colours).
5. Orientation change (up/down, left/right).
6. Transformation of shape (square → triangle → circle).
7. Combination of two or more rules.

2. Key Points & Tips

#	Key Point	Why it matters	Quick Tip
1	Look at overall shape before details	The shape often changes (square → triangle).	Sketch the outline first.
2	Count elements (dots, lines, sides)	Numbers usually follow arithmetic patterns.	Write the counts next to each figure.
3	Note orientation (up/down, left/right)	Rotations are common.	Rotate the figure mentally or on paper.
4	Observe colour or fill	Colour may alternate or stay same.	Colour code each figure for clarity.
5	Check symmetry	Symmetry may be preserved or broken.	Draw a mirror line to test.
6	Identify multiple patterns	One rule may not explain all changes.	Test each rule independently then combine.
7	Eliminate impossibilities	Saves time on wrong assumptions.	Write “not possible” for each wrong rule.
8	Practice with time	Speed improves accuracy.	Do 5–10 series per day for 10 min.

3. Worked Example

Question

Figure 1:   ▲
Figure 2:   ▲ ▲
Figure 3:   ▲ ▲ ▲
Figure 4:   ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

What is Figure 5?

Step‑by‑Step Solution

Step	Observation	Pattern
1	Count the number of triangles	1, 2, 3, 4
2	All triangles are of the same size and orientation	No size change, no rotation
3	The number increases by 1 each step	Arithmetic progression
4	No colour or symmetry change	Not relevant

Rule: Add one more triangle in the same row.

Figure 5: 5 triangles in a row

Figure 5:   ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Visual Illustration

▲          ▲ ▲          ▲ ▲ ▲          ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲          ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

4. Another Example (Rotation + Colour)

Figure A:   
  ●  ◯
  ◯  ●

Figure B:   
  ◯  ●
  ●  ◯

Figure C:   
  ●  ◯
  ◯  ●

What is Figure D?

Solution

Check rotation – Figure B is Figure A rotated 90° clockwise.
Check colour – The pattern of colours alternates every figure.
Figure C is back to the original orientation (90° counter‑clockwise from B).
Figure D should be a 90° rotation clockwise of Figure C → same as Figure B.
Colour alternation – Since C had the same colours as A, D should have the colours of B.

Answer: Figure D is identical to Figure B.

  ◯  ●
  ●  ◯

5. Quick Revision Summary

Identify the rule: size, number, orientation, colour, symmetry.
Use a systematic approach:
1. List all obvious changes (count, shape, colour).
2. Test simple arithmetic patterns.
3. Check for rotations/reflections.
4. Look for combined patterns.
Eliminate wrong patterns quickly: write down “not possible”.
Practice: Solve 3–5 series daily; time yourself (≤ 30 sec each).
Remember: The rule that works for all given figures is the correct one.

Good luck! With practice, spotting the hidden pattern will become almost instantaneous.