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Matrix rules

Strategy card

A matrix item combines independent rules across rows and columns.

  1. Step 1: Separate features: shape, color, fill, size, number, position.
  2. Step 2: For each feature, find its rule (constant, progression, one-of-each).
  3. Step 3: Combine the rules to describe the missing cell.
  4. Step 4: Eliminate options that break even one rule.

Tip: Distractors are usually one feature off. Check every feature.

Worked example

Which figure completes the matrix?

yellow triangle
outlined blue triangle
striped purple triangle
striped yellow triangle
blue triangle
outlined purple triangle
outlined yellow triangle
striped blue triangle
question mark, the missing picture?
  • A: striped purple triangle
  • B: yellow triangle
  • C: purple triangle (the answer)
  • D: outlined purple triangle
  • E: blue triangle

Why: Every row has one of each fill (solid, outlined, striped), so the last row needs the one that is missing. Each column keeps its own color (yellow, blue, purple, left to right). So the missing figure is the purple triangle.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

purple hexagon
2 purple hexagons
3 purple hexagons
blue hexagon
2 blue hexagons
3 blue hexagons
green hexagon
2 green hexagons
question mark, the missing picture?

Your turn 2 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

small red arrow pointing left
small red arrow pointing up
small red arrow pointing right
red arrow pointing left
red arrow pointing up
red arrow pointing right
big red arrow pointing left
big red arrow pointing up
question mark, the missing picture?

Your turn 3 of 3

Which figure completes the matrix?

blue diamond
blue square
blue triangle
2 blue squares
2 blue triangles
2 blue diamonds
3 blue triangles
3 blue diamonds
question mark, the missing picture?

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Ask your child to build their own 3×3 puzzle. Parent guide

Next lesson: Paper folding