Series
Series questions present a sequence of simple figures where one or more visual attributes (like orientation, position, count, shading, or size) change according to a rule. Your job is to identify that rule and predict the next or missing figure.
What can change in a Series (attribute playbook)
| Attribute | Typical Patterns | Quick Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation/Angle | Fixed steps: +30°, +45°, +60°, +90°, +120°, +180° | Map to clock points (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to spot cycles of 2/3/4/6 |
| Reflection/Flip | Alternate H/V flips; flip every 2nd term | Watch “handedness” (L vs mirror-L) to avoid mistaking for rotation |
| Position/Shift | Move across 3×3 grid; clockwise around a frame; clockface jumps | Label cells 1–9 or hours 1–12; check for wraparound |
| Count/Number | +1 each step; +1, +2, +3…; ± alternating | Jot tiny counts under each term to see the progression |
| Size/Scale | S→M→L; S↔L alternation | Size often couples with another attribute toggling each step |
| Shading/Fill | Outline ↔ Filled; White→Grey→Black (3-cycle) | If two attributes change, one may cycle slower (every 2nd/3rd step) |
| Polygon Sides | 3→4→5→… (or reverse) | Sides rarely skip unless alternating with another rule |
| Arrows/Headings | ↑→↓← (4-cycle) or 8-direction cycles | Count 90°/45° steps to confirm |
| Layering/Overlay | Two independent tracks; display depends on a condition | Track each layer separately, then combine |
How to solve (AptiDude 5-Step Method)
- Spot what changes: from one term to the next (orientation? position? count? fill?).
- Separate attributes: track each attribute independently (e.g., angle vs shading).
- Quantify the change: “+90°”, “move right by 1 with wrap”, “+1 dot”, “toggle fill”.
- Check periodicity & alternation: AB/ABC patterns and cycles (period 2/3/4/6).
- Project & verify: extend every micro-rule to the answer; eliminate any option violating any tracked rule.
Tips, Shortcuts & Common Traps
- Rotation vs Reflection: If the figure’s “handedness” flips (like an L becoming its mirror), it’s reflection, not rotation.
- Unequal increments: Don’t force equal steps—watch for +1, +2, +3… or +2, −1, +2…
- Hidden attributes: Border thickness, gap direction, or negative space may carry the rule.
- Different speeds: One attribute may update every step; another every 2nd/3rd step.
- Cycle probes: Compare term 1 with 3 (period-2), or 1 with 4 (period-3) to detect loops fast.
Examples
Diagrams are schematic to emphasize rules (good for note-making/teaching).
Example 1 — Pure Rotation (single attribute)
Sequence: ↑ → ↓ ← ?
Observation: Orientation turns +90° each step (4-cycle).
Answer: ↑ (cycle repeats every 4 steps).
Example 2 — Position Shift with Wrap (3×3 grid)
T1 [●][ ][ ] T2 [ ][●][ ] T3 [ ][ ][●] T4 [●][ ][ ] T5 ?
Observation: Dot moves one cell right each step; from rightmost it wraps to left.
Answer: [ ][●][ ] (center of top row).
Example 3 — Alternation: Size vs Fill (AB pattern)
Squares: small □ → small ■ → medium □ → medium ■ → large □ → ?
Rules:
- Size increases every two steps: small → medium → large.
- Fill toggles every step: outline ↔ filled.
Answer: large ■.
Example 4 — Two-Track Compound (Rotation + Count)
Terms: → ; ↓ ; ↓ + ● ; ← + ● ; ?
Rules:
- Rotation (odd steps): +90° each odd step: → (T1) → ↓ (T3) → ← (T5).
- Count (even steps): add one dot on even steps (T2 gets none shown here; T4 has one).
Answer: ← (rotation applies at T5; dot count doesn’t change on odd steps).