Figure Analogy: Types, Methods and Examples
Figure analogy is a non-verbal reasoning topic in which two figures are given as a pair and a third figure is given separately, and the candidate must apply the same relation that holds between the first two figures to find the fourth figure. The question is written in the form first figure : second figure :: third figure : ?, and the missing fourth figure must complete the relation.
This topic is asked in APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, DHS, DME, SSC and Railway examinations because it tests the ability to notice a transformation and repeat it on a new figure. It uses only a few kinds of changes, so once the candidate learns to name the change the topic becomes quick and reliable. This article gives a complete deep-study revision of figure analogy: the basic terms, the core rules, the types of questions, the step-by-step method, the common mistakes and a practical preparation plan.
Basic Terms
- Analogy: a relation in which two pairs of figures follow the same rule.
- Pair: the first two figures whose relation has to be found.
- Relation: the change that turns the first figure into the second figure.
- Transformation: another name for that change, such as rotation or reflection.
- Rotation: turning a figure about a point by a fixed angle.
- Reflection: producing the mirror image of a figure.
- Element: a small part of a figure, such as a dot, a line or a small shape.
- Attribute: a property of a figure, such as its size, number of parts or shading.
- Missing figure: the fourth figure that has to be chosen.
- Proportional analogy: the idea that the first pair and the second pair follow the same rule.
- Change: the single difference by which the second figure is produced from the first.
- Double change: two differences that occur together in a pair.
- Reversal: a change that turns a figure into its opposite orientation.
Core Concepts and Rules
- Find the exact change that turns the first figure into the second figure.
- Apply exactly the same change to the third figure to get the answer.
- The change may be a rotation, a reflection, an increase or decrease in size, or a change in the number of elements.
- A common change is the addition or removal of a small part of the figure.
- Another common change is the exchange of position of two parts.
- Shading may be inverted, so a blank part may become filled and a filled part blank.
- The figure may be doubled or halved, or its outline may be completed.
- Check the answer against the first pair to be sure the same relation holds.
- If the second figure looks the same as the first, the change may be a rotation by a full turn or a change of position only.
- When the change is an increase in elements, count the increase carefully and repeat it.
Types of Figure Analogy Questions
The first type gives a direct analogy in which one simple change, such as rotation or reflection, is repeated. The second type uses two changes together, for example a rotation followed by an addition. The third type is an alphanumeric analogy in which letters, numbers or words are changed by a rule. The fourth type mixes a figure analogy with a mirror or water image. The fifth type gives three figures arranged in a row and asks for the fourth figure that continues the same relation.
Steps to Solve a Figure Analogy Question
First, compare the first figure with the second figure and write down in one line what has changed. Second, check that no other change is hidden, such as shading or the number of dots. Third, apply the same one-line change to the third figure. Fourth, draw the expected figure in rough form. Fifth, compare the rough figure with the options and eliminate those that differ in any detail. Finally, confirm that the chosen option keeps the same relation as the first pair.
Examination Trends
In competitive examinations figure analogy usually carries two to four marks. Pairs with a single clear change, such as rotation or reflection, are the most common, and questions with two changes appear occasionally. The figures are usually simple shapes, lines, dots and arrows. Because the topic needs no calculation and only a named change, a candidate who practises describing the change in words can answer these questions quickly and accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not apply a different change to the third figure than the one found in the first pair.
- Do not miss a second change such as shading or a small added part.
- Do not confuse clockwise rotation with anticlockwise rotation.
- Do not assume a mirror image when the figure is only rotated.
- Do not ignore the size or the number of elements of the figure.
- Do not choose an option that matches the first figure instead of the required fourth figure.
How to Prepare This Topic
Begin with pairs in which the change is a simple rotation or reflection, and say the change aloud as a short sentence. Then move to pairs with two changes and write both changes in order before choosing the answer. After that, solve mixed sets with letters and numbers as well as figures, and time yourself. Keep a list of the transformations you meet, because the same few transformations recur in most questions.
A useful method is to take the third figure and physically rotate the page or the rough sketch in the required direction to see whether it becomes one of the options. Another method is to cover the options and predict the fourth figure before looking at them. Daily practice of fifteen to twenty questions for a few days makes the eye quick to spot the change, and the same skill helps in figure series, figure matrix and mirror image questions as well.
Quick Revision Tips
- Describe the change in words before you look at the answer options.
- Check for a second change such as shading or an added dot.
- Do not confuse a reflection with a rotation.
- Apply the change to the third figure only, not to the first pair.
- Predict the fourth figure on rough paper and then match it with the options.
- Make sure the chosen option keeps the same relation as the first pair.
Final Revision Note
In the final revision, take paired figures and write one line of change beside each pair. Then cover the options and draw the expected fourth figure yourself before checking. When a pair has two changes, number them one and two so that you apply them in the right order. This habit removes the guesswork and makes the analogy questions a dependable source of marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is figure analogy in reasoning?
It is a non-verbal reasoning topic in which the relation between the first two figures is found and the same relation is applied to a third figure to choose the fourth.
How do I find the relation?
Compare the first two figures and write down in one line exactly what changed, such as a rotation of ninety degrees or a change of shading.
What if two changes happen together?
Note both changes in order and apply the same two changes, in the same order, to the third figure.
Is a reflection the same as a rotation?
No, a reflection produces a mirror image while a rotation turns the same figure; the two give different results, so they must not be confused.
Which exams ask figure analogy questions?
APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, DHS, DME, SSC and Railway examinations ask figure analogy questions in the non-verbal reasoning section.