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Rule out wrong answers

Strategy card

Elimination turns a hard problem into several easy checks.

  1. Step 1: Identify a necessary condition (count, parity, symmetry, sign).
  2. Step 2: Apply it to every option.
  3. Step 3: Repeat with another condition until one option survives.
  4. Step 4: Verify the survivor fully; don't assume.

Tip: Quick checks such as units digits, parity, or symmetry often clear most options fast.

Worked example

Which figure completes the matrix?

outlined purple arrow pointing up
outlined purple arrow pointing up-right
outlined purple arrow pointing right
outlined red arrow pointing up
outlined red arrow pointing up-right
outlined red arrow pointing right
outlined yellow arrow pointing up
outlined yellow arrow pointing up-right
question mark, the missing picture?
  • A: outlined yellow arrow pointing up-right
  • B: outlined yellow arrow pointing right (the answer)
  • C: outlined purple arrow pointing right
  • D: outlined yellow arrow pointing up
  • E: outlined red arrow pointing right

Why: Each row keeps its own color (purple, red, yellow, top to bottom). Each column keeps its own direction (pointing up, pointing up-right, pointing right, left to right). So the missing figure is the outlined yellow arrow pointing right.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

ladder is to climb as thermometer is to ___?

ladder→climbthermometer→?

Your turn 2 of 3

Which number comes next?

6, 10, 15, 21, 28, 36, ?

Your turn 3 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

outlined red diamond
red star
striped red hexagon
2 striped red hexagons
2 outlined red diamonds
2 red stars
3 red stars
3 striped red hexagons
question mark, the missing picture?

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Talk about how detectives and doctors rule things out. Parent guide

Next lesson: Building equations