What comes next?

Strategy card

Sequences of figures follow transformations, often several at once and sometimes alternating.

Step 1: Separate the features and track each one across the sequence.
Step 2: Look for alternating or cycling rules, not only steady ones.
Step 3: State the rule set, then generate the next term yourself.
Step 4: Use elimination on the options that break any rule.

Tip: If two rules seem to fight, check whether one applies only every other step.

Worked example

Which figure comes next in the pattern?

A: 2 outlined purple arrows pointing down (the answer)
B: 2 outlined purple arrows pointing left
C: 2 striped purple arrows pointing down
D: 3 outlined purple arrows pointing down
E: 2 outlined purple arrows pointing up-left

Why: The arrow turns three eighths of a turn counterclockwise each step. One fewer shape each step (then it starts again at four). The fill repeats outlined, striped, solid, again and again. So next comes the 2 outlined purple arrows pointing down.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

Which figure comes next in the pattern?

Your turn 2 of 3

Which figure comes next in the pattern?

Your turn 3 of 3

Which figure comes next in the pattern?

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Ask how they'd explain the rule to a younger sibling. Parent guide

Next lesson: Analogies: find the link