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Matrix rules

Strategy card

Matrix reasoning is systematic rule induction across two dimensions.

  1. Step 1: Decompose each cell into features.
  2. Step 2: Test rule types for each: constant, progression, distribution of three, combination.
  3. Step 3: Derive the missing cell feature by feature.
  4. Step 4: Eliminate options systematically; confirm the survivor against every rule.

Tip: Write a mini-table of features if you get stuck; it makes hidden rules visible.

Worked example

Which figure completes the matrix?

small yellow star
small red star
small purple star
outlined yellow star
outlined red star
outlined purple star
big striped yellow star
big striped red star
question mark, the missing picture?
  • A: big striped yellow star
  • B: big outlined purple star
  • C: small striped purple star
  • D: big purple star
  • E: big striped purple star (the answer)

Why: Each column keeps its own color (yellow, red, purple, left to right). Each row keeps its own fill (solid, outlined, striped, top to bottom). Each row keeps its own size (small, medium, big, top to bottom). So the missing figure is the big striped purple star.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

small outlined red heart
2 outlined red squares
3 big outlined red stars
small outlined red star
2 outlined red hearts
3 big outlined red squares
small outlined red square
2 outlined red stars
question mark, the missing picture?

Your turn 2 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

striped green arrow pointing down
striped green arrow pointing left
striped green arrow pointing up
outlined green arrow pointing left
outlined green arrow pointing up
outlined green arrow pointing down
green arrow pointing up
green arrow pointing down
question mark, the missing picture?

Your turn 3 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

small purple triangle
green triangle
big red triangle
2 small green triangles
2 red triangles
2 big purple triangles
3 small red triangles
3 purple triangles
question mark, the missing picture?

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Discuss how scientists look for patterns in data tables. Parent guide

Next lesson: Paper folding