Core Module · How to Solve
How to solve Figure Sequences
Figure Sequences are pattern matrices where you must identify the rule governing each row and column, then apply it to find the missing shape or symbol. Target: 16–17 correct out of 20 in 25 minutes.
RULE CATEGORY 01
Positional Movement
A shape or element moves from one position to another within the frame. This is the most common rule type. The movement always follows a fixed, predictable direction — your job is to identify it.
Movement types
Horizontal / Vertical: Element moves left/right or up/down one step at a time.
Diagonal: TL→BR or TR→BL paths.
Clockwise / anti-clockwise: The element cycles through corner positions — TL→TR→BR→BL→TL.
Bouncing (x+1): Element moves 1 step, then 2, then 3. When it hits a boundary, it reverses or wraps.
Key tip
If a figure has two shapes, isolate each one and find its movement rule independently before trying to combine them.
RULE CATEGORY 02
Transformation
The shape itself changes in a predictable way. Position may stay fixed while orientation, colour, or reflection changes step by step.
Transformation types
Rotation: Shape rotates by a fixed angle each step — typically 45°, 90°, or 180°. The dMAT most commonly uses 90° rotation.
Reflection: Shape flips horizontally or vertically each step.
Fill inversion: Fill alternates black ↔ white, or cycles Black → Grey → White.
90° clockwise reference: → becomes ↓ becomes ← becomes ↑ becomes → (4-step cycle).
Key tip
When you see arrows, determine the rotation step size first (45° or 90°). Then count which position in the cycle the "?" falls on.
RULE CATEGORY 03
Quantity & Size Changes
The number of elements increases or decreases each step, or the size of a shape grows or shrinks. You need to count, not just observe orientation.
Quantity types
Linear count (±1): One element is added or removed each step. Most common: 1→2→3→4 or 5→4→3→2.
Bouncing count: Count increases to a maximum then reverses. E.g. 1→2→3→2→1→2→3...
Matrix formula: In a 3×3 matrix, each cell's count = row + column − 1 (or similar). Check diagonals first — cells along the same anti-diagonal often share the same count.
Key tip
In matrix count questions, check the main diagonal first. If all cells on a diagonal have the same count, you've found the formula.
The solving method for matrix questions
THE METHOD
Rows first, then columns, then eliminate
Always scan rows and columns independently. The rule that works for rows must also work for columns in a well-formed question — use columns to confirm your answer, not to find it from scratch.
Steps
1. Look at each complete row. What changes left to right? Identify the rule — rotation, fill, count, or position.
2. Confirm with columns. Apply the same analysis to columns. A consistent rule for both rows and columns confirms your answer.
3. Eliminate wrong options. If you know the rule but can't pin the exact answer, eliminate options that clearly violate the row or column rule. What remains must be correct.
4. Guess at 75 seconds. In the real exam, make your best guess and move on. Never leave blank.
dMAT-specific note: Real Figure Sequence questions often have two simultaneous rules — for example, an element both moves position AND changes fill colour. Always look for a secondary rule after identifying the primary one. Start with the most obvious change, then check for anything else that varies between frames.