🧩 Study Notes – Puzzles
Reasoning Ability – Ladakh Police Constable Examination
Goal: Master the most common puzzle types, learn quick‑solve strategies, and practice a sample problem.
1. Simple Explanation of Puzzles
Puzzles are logic‑based questions that test your ability to detect patterns, make deductions, and solve problems under constraints.
They appear in three main forms:
| Type | What to look for | Typical Question |
|---|---|---|
| Number puzzles | Arithmetic/algebraic pattern, Fibonacci‑like sequences, digit properties | “What is the next number in 2, 5, 10, 17, 28, …?” |
| Word/Verbal puzzles | Wordplay, synonyms, antonyms, letter arrangements | “If ‘CAT’ → ‘OAT’, then ‘DOG’ → ?” |
| Logical/Position puzzles | Seating, timelines, relational constraints | “A sits to the right of B. C is 2 seats away from A. Who is in seat 3?” |
2. Key Puzzle Types & How They Appear in the Exam
| # | Puzzle Type | Example Question | Typical Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number Pattern | “Find the next number in: 4, 7, 12, 21, ?” | Medium |
| 2 | Word/Letter Pattern | “If ‘BIRD’ → ‘XGHD’, what is ‘FISH’?” | Easy–Medium |
| 3 | Logical Sequencing | “Which of the following sentences is true? (A) Only one statement is true, (B) Only two statements are true …” | Medium–Hard |
| 4 | Seating/Arrangement | “In a row of 5, A is not at either end. B sits next to C. Who sits at seat 3?” | Medium |
| 5 | Riddles / Curious Questions | “I have keys but no locks. What am I?” | Easy |
3. Problem‑Solving Strategies (Key Points)
| Strategy | Why It Works | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Read Carefully | Misreading a constraint can ruin the whole solution. | Note each clause separately; underline key words (“never”, “must”, “at least”). |
| 2. Identify the Pattern | Recognizing the rule saves time. | For numbers: look at differences, ratios, or digit sums. For words: look for letter shifts or reversals. |
| 3. Work Backwards | Sometimes the last step is easier to deduce than the first. | Start from the answer option that satisfies all constraints. |
| 4. Use Elimination | Reduces possibilities quickly. | Cross‑off options that violate any single rule. |
| 5. Keep Track of Possibilities | Avoids double‑counting or missing a valid arrangement. | Write down a table or a simple diagram. |
| 6. Check for Multiple Solutions | Some puzzles have more than one valid answer; you must choose the only one that satisfies all constraints. | Verify each remaining option against every rule. |
4. Worked Example
Puzzle
Sequence: 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, ?
Find: The next number in the series.
Step‑by‑Step Solution
- Write the differences between consecutive terms
5 - 3 = 2 9 - 5 = 4 17 - 9 = 8 33 - 17 = 16 - Observe the pattern in the differences
2, 4, 8, 16 → each difference is double the previous one (×2). - Predict the next difference
16 × 2 = 32 - Add this to the last term of the series
33 + 32 = 65 - Answer: 65
Quick Check
- New difference (65‑33) = 32, which fits the doubling pattern.
- No other simple arithmetic or geometric pattern fits better.
5. Quick Revision Summary (Bullet List)
- Read every clause – underline or highlight constraints.
- Find the rule – differences, ratios, letter shifts, relational positions.
- Start from the end – often the last step is easiest to deduce.
- **Eliminate