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Rule out wrong answers

Strategy card

Elimination is a smart strategy when you're stuck.

  1. Step 1: Find one thing you're sure about (like "it must be red").
  2. Step 2: Cross out every answer that breaks it.
  3. Step 3: Find a second clue and cross out more.
  4. 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?

big outlined blue starsmall outlined yellow hexagonoutlined red square
  • A: small striped green square
  • B: striped yellow hexagon
  • C: small outlined red hexagon (the answer)
  • D: big striped blue circle
  • E: small blue circle

Why: All the figures in the box have the same fill (outlined). Only the small outlined red hexagon has that too. The color and shape and size can change, so they don't matter.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

small goes with tiny. cool goes with ___?

small→tinycool→?

Your turn 2 of 3

Which number comes next?

9, 16, 25, 36, 49, ?

Your turn 3 of 3

The figures in the box follow one rule. Which answer follows the same rule?

outlined green trianglesmall outlined red circlebig outlined green circle

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Ask: "Which ones could you rule out? Why?" Parent guide

Next lesson: Building equations