Consider the following matrix with one empty block in the lower extreme corner :
Which of the following figures could fit in the empty block and thus complete the matrix ?
aFigure (a)
bFigure (b)
cFigure (c)
dFigure (d)
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
Count circles and triangles in each cell. Along every row the circles fall by one and the triangles rise by one from cell to cell. Row 1: 4 circles and 2 triangles, then 3 and 3, then 2 and 4. Row 2: 3 and 1, then 2 and 2, then 1 and 3. Row 3: 2 and 0, then 1 and 1, so the blank has 0 circles and 2 triangles. That is figure (a).
Why each option is right or wrong
(a) Right. No circles, two triangles.
(b) Has a circle, but the blank needs none.
(c) Has three circles; circles fall along the row.
(d) Has three circles and one triangle; the pattern needs none and two.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
