Figural Pattern Floading and Completion

Figural Pattern Floading and Completion

Here is a detailed explanation of Figural Pattern (Folding and Completion) as per your provided PDF, including core concepts, step-by-step examples, and practice questions to help you master this reasoning topic1.


Figural Pattern (Folding and Completion): Detailed Explanation

Figural pattern (folding and completion) questions are a staple in reasoning sections of competitive exams. These questions test your spatial reasoning, visualization skills, and ability to mentally manipulate two-dimensional figures.


Types of Figural Pattern Questions

  • Paper Folding:
    • A transparent sheet (often a square or triangle) is folded along dotted lines.
    • You must select from answer options how the pattern would appear after folding.
  • Paper Cutting:
    • A piece of paper is folded and then cut/punched.
    • You must determine how the paper would look when unfolded.
  • Completion of Figure:
    • A figure is partially shown, and you must select the missing part from given options to complete the pattern.

Key Concepts and Techniques

  • Folding Along Dotted Lines:
    • The dotted line indicates where the paper is folded.
    • The arrow shows the direction of the fold.
  • Cutting/Punching:
    • After folding, cuts or punches are made.
    • These cuts appear symmetrically on all folded layers when unfolded.
  • Visualizing Unfolding:
    • To solve, mentally reverse the folding and cutting steps.
    • Start from the last folded/cut figure and work backward to the original.
  • Orientation Matters:
    • The final unfolded pattern must match the orientation and symmetry of the answer options.
  • No Fixed Formula:
    • Thereโ€™s no set formula; practice and visualization are key.

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: Paper Folding

A square transparent sheet with a pattern is given. Figure out from among the four alternatives as to how the pattern would appear when the transparent sheet is folded at the middle line shown.

Options: (a) Pattern is incorrect (b) Pattern is incorrect (c) Pattern is incorrect (d) Pattern is correct

Explanation:

  • Step 1: Fold the sheet at the middle line.
  • Step 2: The pattern on the right half is mirrored onto the left half.
  • Step 3: Only option (d) shows the correct mirrored pattern.

Answer: (d)


Example 2: Paper Cutting and Unfolding

A piece of paper is folded and punched as shown in the question figures. From the given answer figures, indicate how it will appear when opened.

Options: (a) Pattern is incorrect (b) Pattern is incorrect (c) Pattern is incorrect (d) Pattern is correct

Explanation:

  • Step 1: Start with the last folded/cut figure.
  • Step 2: Mentally unfold the paper step by step.
  • Step 3: Observe the symmetry and position of the cuts.
  • Step 4: Only option (d) matches the correct unfolded pattern.

Answer: (d)


Example 3: Completion of Figure

A figure is partially shown. Select the missing part from the given options to complete the pattern.

Options: (a) Incorrect (b) Correct (c) Incorrect (d) Incorrect

Explanation:

  • Step 1: Observe the pattern and symmetry.
  • Step 2: Identify the missing part that fits the pattern.
  • Step 3: Only option (b) completes the figure correctly.

Answer: (b)


Practice Questions

Practice Question 1

A triangular sheet of paper has been folded and punched as shown in the following series of figures. How will it appear when opened?

Options: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Answer: (d)


Practice Question 2

A square piece of paper cut at the edges as shown is taken and folded as shown below. How would the folded pattern look?

Options: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Answer: (b)


Practice Question 3

A piece of paper is folded and cut as shown in the question figures. From the given answer figures, indicate how it will appear when opened.

Options: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Answer: (a)


Practice Question 4

A square transparent sheet with a pattern is given. How would the pattern appear when folded along the dotted line?

Options: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Hint: Look for symmetry and mirroring across the fold.

Answer: (c)


Tips for Solving Figural Pattern Questions

  • Draw or visualize each step if possible.
  • Reverse-engineer the process: start from the last folded/cut figure and unfold.
  • Check for symmetry and orientation in the answer options.
  • Donโ€™t get stuck on complex figures; rotate or flip mentally if needed.
  • Time yourself; aim to solve within 60 seconds per question.

Summary Table

Question TypeDescriptionExample Answer
Paper FoldingFold along dotted line, select mirrored pattern(d)
Paper CuttingFold, cut, unfold, select correct pattern(d), (a)
Completion of FigureSelect missing part to complete the pattern(b)

This comprehensive guide, with explanations, examples, and practice questions, will help you master figural pattern (folding and completion) reasoning for any competitive exam1.

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  1. Figural-Pattern-Floding-and-Completion.pdf ↩︎ ↩︎