12 May 2015

How to solve Reasoning and Logical questions

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I have included a good number of downloadable materials as part of UCEED preparation in the Resource page - UCEED resource and book collections pageAs part of this, I have also considered including Inductive Reasoning type of sample questions, as those topics are part of pattern analysis and have chances of appearing in the exam. In this regard, one of our blog friend Vijetha Pandey, asked on how to solve such questions, which made me think to device a post by taking an example.

Example of solving an Inductive Reasoning Question



Below shows a series of patterned images, One of the pattern is missing and is indicated with question mark, Identify the correct pattern that suits replaces the question mark, among the patterns given below.




Here is how I solve this question

Each square has two set of geometry shapes, and a square made out of 8 small squares with two dot marks in it, right? Now I will first check the centred squares and analyse their pattern. The following figure shows the pattern considering a single dark square.




(Note : If the image is small and if it's difficult to read for you, then please download it and zoom it to check the words, or click on it to view a zoomed view)

The arrow point towards the chosen pattern to analyse (named it point 1). Now in the first pattern, it's in bottom most row, right position - ok ? Now check the next pattern, the dark spot has moved to two positions to the west (clockwise), and it's new position is in bottom row, but in left position, got it ? Now considering the point in the position (2), and now looking towards pattern 3, the position of the point assumes the same condition - i.e two times/steps movement in clockwise direction, which leads to the position 3 as indicated in the 3rd pattern - i.e top row, left corner, got it ?

Following the same funda - the point in the fourth pattern (question marked square) should also move two points in clockwise direction from position 3. So, obviously, the position should be in top row, right corner, am I right ? Mark this point and note it!

Now, consider the second dark spot (small square) and try to work on it. Figure shows the analysis for the second dark spot.


In the first pattern, it's in top most row, to the left, ok ? Now checking the second pattern, we will come to know that the point has moved three steps (squares) ahead in anti clockwise direction. got it ? verify this for the next pattern too, from position two, moving the dark spot three steps in anti clockwise direction will result in position 3, which is in top row, right corner, got it. Applying the same funda to the next pattern (for the questions marked square) result in movement of the point (from position 3) three steps ahead in anti clockwise direction - i.e at the centre row, left side, am I correct ? Note this position and mark alongside of the position of the point 1 that we found earlier.

Now, check the options which satisfies the two points positions. Fortunately only one option is satisfying that, Option B, and so it's the answer. If in case you face with two such similar pattern, then look for analysing the two geometry shapes pattern !

Tips to solve Inductive and Logical reasoning questions

  1. Inductive Reasoning questions usually have multiple things to recognize and analyze the pattern. Better to take a single element at a time and check for its pattern, then go for other elements, like we have just seen - taking each dark squares one by one. That should help in minimizing time and to draw quick solutions.
  2. Although the above method, that I used, doesn't work always, still similar logic could apply for most IR questions. Most questions involve either moving patterns to some fixed or incremental/decremental steps in either of the directions (counterclockwise or clockwise). So, consider this in mind and try to analyze individual element pattern in each step.
  3. Some questions also need a change in elements like a change of shapes, size, scale etc.
  4. Coming to UCEED, although this type of question has some chance of appearing directly in the exam, yet the way you think/imagine and identify the pattern in the given sequence helps you with solving many image-based questions and hence worth trying hands on it. If you are not comfortable and if it's like taking much time, then restrict yourself and limit this type of question practice. Hope you understood!
  5. IR questions are mixed - I mean some questions can be easily solved with simple logic, but other questions need more time and thinking. If ever you come across such question in UCEED, then better to skip that question instead of spending much time on it !

What to start, how to learn the basics of design aptitude? 
How to solve design aptitude, non-verbal, and Ability questions with examples


PART 2



Hope the following explanations and tips helped you and gave you some idea :)


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16 comments:

  1. Can it be solved in the following manner?
    if you look at the bigger figures, the number of sides are increasing in every adjacent figure.
    In the first figure, the circle can be considered to have 1 side & the triangle has 3 sides. total=4
    In the second figure, the square has 4 sides, circle has 1. total=5
    In the third figure, each triangle has 3 sides. total=6
    According to this pattern, the fourth figure should have a total of 7.
    In the fifth figure, the pentagon has 5 sides & the triangle has 3, total=8.

    In each figure, the little boxes indicate the position of the larger shapes, also every alternate figure has black shapes.

    Thus, the correct option would still be B but analyzed in a different manner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ya, that was a good solution, probably this method would be applicable to many similar questions. Good work! thanks for sharing with everyone.

      Delete
    2. Also, can there be a simple solution like observing the opacity of the bigger figures.
      The bigger images in the first pic have 0% opacity, second image has 100%, third has zero again, so the fourth one should be 100% opaque. According to this logic, we are only left with the option B.

      I just want to know, can the thought process of the answer can be this simple?

      Delete
    3. Actually, this might just be a coincidence while for other ques, this might not work. It's always better to check the other/logical sequence. But yes, sometimes the solutions would be as simple as you just mentioned. Thansk for sharing ur views.

      Delete
  2. I get confused in the questions- count the no. of cubes missing and the questions related to fonts. where can i find such questions with good explanation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. While I covered one of the topic (counting of cubes) in uceed test paper, I haven't come across or dealt my self about Font. I guess, it's totally observative nature (more visual practice) and is not teachable. Anyway, I will try to find any online sources covering those topics. If found, I will share.

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  3. I think it's crazy but if we notice the first 3 figures,we find that the bigger shape is showing white and black colour in alternative pattern and option B only matches to continue the same pattern.

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  4. Sir, the explanation you have given for this question does not satisfy for the last square given in the question, if we continue the same funda for the answer we have got, we get a completely new pattern which has the dark squares over-lapping in bottom right corner not the one which is given in 5th place in the question. Is it not required to check it or is there anyother way for it? Please go through this once. Thank you.

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  5. Sir, I am preparing for uceed. I have written all the previous UCEED papers, and I have got a proper hang of it. But now, I need questions to practice, where do I get it from ? I have also completed few books. If you have any links or suggestions for book. Please message me asap :)
    Regards
    Varun Sai Koruprolu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had included some mock tests that u can chk in uceed page. See if that helps.

      Delete
  6. Sir please teach us to solve the shadow related problems.

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  7. by this method the fourth figure is not satisfied. dont you think? if it does please explain

    ReplyDelete

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