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:
- Thereโs 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.
- Donโt get stuck on complex figures; rotate or flip mentally if needed.
- Time yourself; aim to solve within 60 seconds per question.
Summary Table
Question Type | Description | Example Answer |
---|---|---|
Paper Folding | Fold along dotted line, select mirrored pattern | (d) |
Paper Cutting | Fold, cut, unfold, select correct pattern | (d), (a) |
Completion of Figure | Select 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.