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
Which figure completes the matrix?
- A: purple arrow pointing up
- B: big purple arrow pointing up (the answer)
- C: big purple arrow pointing left
- D: small purple arrow pointing up
- E: big green arrow pointing up
Why: Each row keeps its own direction (pointing left, pointing up-left, pointing up, top to bottom). Each column keeps its own size (small, medium, big, left to right). So the missing figure is the big purple arrow pointing up.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
kangaroo is to joey as deer is to ___?
kangaroo→joeydeer→?
Your turn 2 of 3
Which number comes next?
8, 35, 10, 33, 12, ?
Your turn 3 of 3
Which figure completes the matrix?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Ask: "Which ones could you rule out? Why?" Parent guide
Next lesson: Building equations