UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT

Question 45: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

The elements of the problem figures given below are changing with a certain rule as we observe them from left to right :

According to this rule, which of the following would be the next figure if the changes were continued with the same rule ?

a row of four problem figures, each a box holding a small black triangle in a corner and a single line that turns from vertical to slanting to a shallow slope, followed by four option boxes (a) to (d), each with a small triangle in a corner and a line (horizontal, rising diagonal or vertical)

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Track each element across the four figures. The triangle alternates up, down, up, down, so the next is up. It moves around the corners: top-left, bottom-left, bottom-right, top-right, so the next position is top-left. The line turns steadily from vertical toward horizontal, so after the nearly horizontal line it becomes horizontal. Only option (d), an upward triangle at top-left with a horizontal line, fits all three rules.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The triangle points down, but it should point up.
(b) Wrong. The triangle points down and sits at top-right, which was the previous position.
(c) Wrong. The triangle points down and the line is vertical, not horizontal.
(d) Right. An upward triangle at top-left with a horizontal line follows all three rules.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.