Figure Series: Types, Methods and Examples
Figure series is a non-verbal reasoning topic in which a sequence of figures is given and the candidate must study the pattern followed by the sequence and choose the figure that comes next. The pattern may lie in the shape, the number of sides or dots, the rotation, the shading or the movement of one part of the figure.
This topic is asked in APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, DHS, DME, SSC and Railway examinations because it tests the ability to read a continuing pattern from a set of pictures. It needs no calculation, and it becomes easy once the candidate learns to check each possible change one by one. This article gives a complete deep-study revision of figure series: 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
- Series: a sequence of figures that follow a fixed pattern.
- Term: one figure of the series.
- Pattern: the rule that produces each figure from the previous one.
- Next figure: the figure that must be chosen to continue the series.
- Increment: a regular increase, such as adding one side or one dot each time.
- Decrement: a regular decrease, such as removing one part each time.
- Rotation: turning the figure by a fixed angle at each step.
- Alternation: a pattern in which two kinds of figures come one after the other.
- Repetition: a pattern that returns to the starting figure after a fixed number of steps.
- Movement: a change in the position of one part of the figure.
- Constant term: a figure that stays unchanged while only a part of it moves.
- Step: one move from one figure of the series to the next.
- Cyclic pattern: a pattern that repeats after a fixed number of steps.
Core Concepts and Rules
- Check whether the number of sides or dots increases or decreases by a fixed amount.
- Check whether the figure rotates clockwise or anticlockwise and by how much.
- Check whether a part is added at each step or removed at each step.
- Check whether two designs alternate, such as a triangle and a square.
- Check whether the series repeats after two, three or four figures.
- Check the movement of a single part, such as a dot moving around the figure.
- Check the shading, because a part may become filled or empty in turn.
- Use the first three or four figures to fix the rule, then test it on the last given figure.
- If the number of elements changes, decide whether the change is constant or whether it grows each step.
- If the figure rotates, measure the angle from a fixed feature such as the position of a dot.
Types of Figure Series Questions
The first type is a series in which the number of sides, lines or dots increases or decreases steadily. The second type is a rotating series in which the figure turns by a fixed angle at each step. The third type is an alternating series in which two different designs appear one after the other. The fourth type is a two-rule series in which one rule governs the shape and another governs the shading. The fifth type gives a series with a missing middle figure that has to be filled.
Steps to Solve a Figure Series Question
First, compare the first two figures and note the change. Second, compare the second with the third to see whether the same change repeats. Third, write the rule in one line, such as adding one dot or turning ninety degrees clockwise. Fourth, check the rule on the remaining given figures. Fifth, apply the rule to the last given figure to get the next figure. Finally, compare your figure with the options and choose the matching one.
Examination Trends
In competitive examinations figure series usually carries two to five marks. Series based on rotation and on increasing or decreasing elements are the most common, and alternating series appear regularly. The figures are usually simple shapes, lines, dots and arrows. Because the topic uses fixed rules and no calculation, a candidate who practises reading the pattern from the first three figures can answer these questions confidently in a short time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not fix the rule from only two figures; check it on the third and fourth.
- Do not confuse clockwise and anticlockwise rotation.
- Do not miss a small change such as the movement of one dot.
- Do not assume a series is finished; always find the next figure.
- Do not ignore the shading or the number of elements in the figure.
- Do not choose an option that fits the pattern only for the last step.
How to Prepare This Topic
Begin with series in which the number of sides or dots changes by one, and say the rule aloud. Then practise rotation series and note the angle of rotation at each step. After that, work on alternating and two-rule series and time yourself. Keep a list of the patterns you meet, because the same few patterns recur in most papers.
A useful method is to draw the given figures in a row on rough paper and write the change between each pair above the arrows. Another method is to cover the options and predict the next figure before looking at them. Daily practice of fifteen to twenty questions for a few days makes the eye quick to spot the pattern, and the same skill helps in figure matrix and figure analogy questions as well.
Quick Revision Tips
- Write the change above each pair of figures on rough paper.
- Check the rule on the fourth and fifth figure before answering.
- Look for a second rule such as shading while the shape rule is also active.
- For a blank in the middle, check the figures on both sides of the blank.
- Do not stop at the shape; check the number and position of dots too.
- Predict the next figure before looking at the options.
Final Revision Note
During final revision, draw the given figures in a row and mark the change between every pair. If the change is not constant, test whether it grows by one each step. Then cover the options and draw the next figure yourself. This method exposes mistakes in the very first rule you guess and makes the series questions quick and dependable in the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is figure series in reasoning?
It is a non-verbal reasoning topic in which a sequence of figures follows a pattern and the candidate must choose the figure that comes next.
How do I find the pattern?
Compare the first two figures, check the pattern on the third and fourth, then write the rule in one line and apply it to the last figure.
What kinds of patterns are common?
Increasing or decreasing sides and dots, clockwise or anticlockwise rotation, alternating designs, movement of a part and change of shading are the most common patterns.
Is the next figure always at the end?
Usually yes, but some questions leave a blank in the middle of the series; then the rule must fit both the figures before and after the blank.
Which exams ask figure series questions?
APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, DHS, DME, SSC and Railway examinations ask figure series questions in the non-verbal reasoning section.