SSC CGL Reasoning · Embedded Figures and Pattern Completion
Pattern Completion
A symmetric figure has one piece missing; the right option is the piece that mirrors the part on the other side of the figure's line of symmetry.
Why this matters
Five questions in the bank, all from the 2024 shifts, with 1 EASY and 4 MODERATE. They are solved by one idea, reflection in a line, so they are quick once you find the line.
Concept 1 of 1: Completing a symmetric pattern
Definition
1. Find the line of symmetry: compare the pieces you can see and find the line across which they mirror each other. 2. Take the piece on the other side of that line from the gap. 3. Reflect it in the line: every mark keeps its distance from the line but moves to the other side.
- Symmetric about both centre lines: the piece diagonally opposite the gap is the gap's half-turn, and either neighbour mirrored gives the answer.
- Fast route: check one slanting line or one off-centre mark in the options; a copied piece has it slanting the wrong way.
Worked example
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 1 · Embedded Figures and Pattern Completion · Pattern Completion
Copying the neighbour instead of reflecting it
Reflecting in the wrong line
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Watch out for (2)
- Copying the neighbour instead of reflecting it→ Completing a symmetric pattern
- Reflecting in the wrong line→ Completing a symmetric pattern
Test yourself on Embedded Figures and Pattern Completion
15 past SSC CGL questions from this chapter, timed at 9 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.