Rule out wrong answers
Strategy card
Elimination is a smart strategy when you're stuck.
- Step 1: Find one thing you're sure about (like "it must be red").
- Step 2: Cross out every answer that breaks it.
- Step 3: Find a second clue and cross out more.
- Step 4: Pick from what's left and double-check.
Tip: Even ruling out one answer makes a good guess more likely.
Worked example
The figures in the box follow one rule. Which answer follows the same rule?
- A: small striped green square (the answer)
- B: small outlined purple star
- C: small outlined blue square
- D: big striped purple diamond
Why: All the figures in the box have the same color (green). Only the small striped green square has that too. The shape and fill and size can change, so they don't matter.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
horse goes with stable. rabbit goes with ___?
horse→stablerabbit→?
Your turn 2 of 3
Which number comes next?
10, 19, 13, 22, 16, ?
Your turn 3 of 3
The figures in the box follow one rule. Which answer follows the same rule?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Which ones could you rule out? Why?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Building equations