Abstract Reasoning
"DLSUCET Abstract? Just follow the pattern flow. You got this! Animo La Salle! This section tests your ability to recognize patterns, think logically, and visualize spatial relationships."
1. Figure Series & Patterns 🔄
Find the pattern in a series of figures and predict what comes next!
Common Pattern Types
| Pattern Type | What to Look For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rotation | Figures turning clockwise/counter-clockwise | Arrow rotating 45° each step |
| Addition | Elements being added each frame | 1 dot, 2 dots, 3 dots, 4 dots... |
| Subtraction | Elements being removed | Full circle, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4... |
| Alternation | Pattern switches between two states | Black, white, black, white... |
| Movement | Object moving in a direction | Circle moving left to right |
| Size Change | Objects growing or shrinking | Small, medium, large, larger... |
| Shading Change | Fill patterns changing | Empty, striped, solid... |
Strategy for Figure Series
- Look at overall shape changes first
- Check for rotation (how many degrees?)
- Count elements (increasing? decreasing?)
- Note position changes (where do things move?)
- Check shading/color patterns
- Verify your pattern applies to ALL figures
2. Figure Matrices (3x3 Grids) 🔲
Find the missing figure in a 3x3 grid. Patterns work across rows AND down columns!
How Matrices Work
Row Patterns
- Each row follows a consistent rule
- Elements combine or cancel out
- Each row has all variations
- Sum/difference patterns
Column Patterns
- Same rules apply down columns
- Must be consistent with row pattern
- Check diagonal patterns too
- Missing piece satisfies both
Common Matrix Rules
- Addition: Row 1 + Row 2 = Row 3
- Subtraction: Row 1 - Row 2 = Row 3
- Unique Elements: Each element appears once per row/column
- Transformation: Same change across each row
3. Spatial Reasoning - Cube Folding 🧊
Given an unfolded cube, determine which 3D cube it makes when folded.
Cube Folding Rules
Finding Opposite Faces
In a cross-shaped pattern:
- Top face is opposite to the 3rd face down
- Faces with a gap between them are opposite
- Adjacent faces in pattern are adjacent when folded
Tips for Cube Problems
- Identify one face first
- Think about which faces touch that face
- Mentally fold step by step
- Eliminate impossible options
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to flip/rotate faces
- Wrong orientation of symbols
- Confusing adjacent vs opposite
4. Mirror Images & Reflections 🪞
Find the correct mirror image or identify which figure is NOT a reflection.
Types of Reflections
| Type | What Happens | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Mirror (Left-Right) | Left and right swap | Letter "b" becomes "d" |
| Horizontal Mirror (Top-Bottom) | Top and bottom swap | Letter "p" becomes "d" |
| Both Combined | 180° rotation effect | Letter "b" becomes "q" |
Letters That Look Same in Mirror
Vertical mirror: A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y
Horizontal mirror: B, C, D, E, H, I, K, O, X
Both directions: H, I, O, X
5. Odd One Out 🎯
Find the figure that doesn't belong in the group.
Things to Check
Visual Properties
- Number of sides/angles
- Open vs closed shapes
- Curved vs straight lines
- Shading/fill pattern
- Size relative to others
Structural Properties
- Symmetry (vertical, horizontal, rotational)
- Number of elements inside
- Direction arrows point
- Position of internal elements
- Rotation orientation
Strategy
- Scan all figures quickly first
- Look for the most obvious difference
- Check if 4 out of 5 share a property
- The one without that property is the answer
- Verify your choice doesn't fit the pattern
6. Figure Analogies 🔗
A is to B as C is to ? - Find the relationship and apply it.
Common Figure Relationships
| Relationship | A → B | So C → ? |
|---|---|---|
| Rotation | Rotates 90° clockwise | Apply same rotation to C |
| Color Inversion | Black → White | Invert C's colors |
| Size Change | Gets smaller/larger | Resize C accordingly |
| Element Addition | Line/dot added | Add same element to C |
| Reflection | Mirror image | Create mirror of C |
Steps to Solve
- Study how A transforms into B
- List all changes (rotation, color, size, elements)
- Apply the EXACT same changes to C
- Find the answer choice that matches
7. DLSUCET Abstract Tips & Practice 🎯
Exam Strategies
- Work Quickly: Abstract reasoning is time-sensitive
- Trust Your Eyes: Patterns often "jump out" at you
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: Sometimes easier than finding the right one
- Don't Overthink: Usually the simplest pattern is correct
- Skip and Return: If stuck, move on and come back
- Practice! The more patterns you see, the faster you recognize them
Practice Questions
Q1: In a series, if each figure rotates 45° clockwise, what happens after 8 figures?
8 × 45° = 360° = full rotation. Answer: Returns to original position
Q2: In a cube net, what's opposite to the face that's in the middle of a cross pattern?
Answer: The face that would be 2 squares away (not adjacent) when the pattern is folded.
Q3: What's the vertical mirror image of the letter "F"?
Answer: A backwards "F" - the arms point to the opposite direction (left instead of right).
Q4: Four shapes are circles. One is an oval. Which is the odd one out?
Answer: The oval - all others are perfect circles with equal diameter in all directions.
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
Ready ka na ba? Take the practice quiz for Abstract Reasoning to reinforce what you just learned.
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