Figure Series & Classification

Figure Series & Classification – SRMJEEE Aptitude Study Notes

Topic: Figural Reasoning – Series & Classification
Exam: SRMJEEE (Science, Technology & Research) – Aptitude Section

Why it matters
Most aptitude tests, especially SRMJEEE, include a Figural Reasoning segment that evaluates logical thinking, spatial perception, and pattern recognition. Mastering figure series and classification boosts your overall score and helps in other reasoning rounds (e.g., number series, syllogisms).

1. Simple Explanation

• Figure Series: A sequence of shapes where each subsequent figure follows a rule (e.g., rotation, reflection, addition of a new element).
• Classification: Grouping a set of figures into subsets based on a common underlying rule (e.g., symmetry, number of sides, orientation).

Both sections test your ability to:

1. Spot the pattern quickly.
2. Apply the rule to predict the next figure or to categorize figures correctly.
3. Visualize transformations in your mind.

2. Key Points to Remember

3. Worked Example

Question

Identify the next figure in the series.

Figure 1: •• (two dots side by side)
Figure 2: •••
Figure 3: •• (two dots side by side)
Figure 4: ••••
Figure 5: ???

(Assume each symbol ‘•’ represents a block; the series is shown in a line.)

Step‑by‑Step Solution

1. List the figures

   • F1: 2 blocks
   • F2: 3 blocks
   • F3: 2 blocks
   • F4: 4 blocks

2. Look for pattern

   • Sequence of counts: 2, 3, 2, 4
   • Notice the pattern of odd/even:
     • 2 (even), 3 (odd), 2 (even), 4 (even)
   • Not a simple arithmetic progression.
   • Observe alternation: 2 → 3 (increment +1), then back to 2 (decrement –1), then 4 (increment +2).

3. Hypothesize rule

   • The odd-indexed figures (1,3) have 2 blocks.
   • The even-indexed figures (2,4) have 3 and 4 blocks respectively.
   • Perhaps even positions follow increasing even numbers: 3, 4, 5?
   • But 3 is odd.

4. Check for symmetry

   • Maybe the rule is:
     • Odd positions: 2 blocks.
     • Even positions: Number of blocks equals the position number.
     • F2 (position 2) → 2 blocks but we have 3 → contradiction.

5. Try another angle

   • Count the total number of blocks up to each figure:

     • After F1: 2
     • After F2: 5
     • After F3: 7
     • After F4: 11

   • No clear progression.

6. Re‑examine the figure shapes

   • Maybe the series is about adding one block each time but resetting to 2 every third figure?
   • Sequence: 2, 3, (reset) 2, 4, (reset) 2, 5, …

7. Conclusion

   • The simplest rule that fits all given figures:

     • If the figure number is divisible by 3 → 2 blocks.
     • Otherwise → figure number + 1?
     • F1 (1) → 2 (fits).
     • F2 (2) → 3 (fits).
     • F3 (3) → 2 (fits).
     • F4 (4) → 5? But we have 4.

   • Still off.

8. Final decision

   • In exam practice, sometimes the rule is “alternate between 2 and incrementally increasing blocks.”

   • So:

     • Odd figures: 2 blocks.
     • Even figures: 3, 4, 5, …

   • Thus F5 (odd) → 2 blocks.

Answer: Figure 5 = 2 blocks (same as Figures 1 and 3).

Quick Revision Summary