Squares with Diagonals

Squares with Diagonals problems involve counting squares in figures where one or more squares have diagonals drawn. The diagonals create triangles but do not create new squares. These problems test understanding that diagonals only create triangles, not additional squares.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
1-2 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Squares with Diagonals

Squares with Diagonals problems involve counting squares in figures where one or more squares have diagonals drawn. The diagonals create triangles but do not create new squares. These problems test understanding that diagonals only create triangles, not additional squares.

Prerequisites

Square grid counting basics Understanding of diagonals in squares Recognition that diagonals create triangles Systematic counting
Why This Matters: Squares with Diagonals problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test understanding of how diagonals affect shape counting.

How to Solve Squares with Diagonals Problems

1

Step 1: First count the squares as if there were no diagonals

2

Step 2: Understand that diagonals do NOT create new squares

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Step 3: Diagonals create triangles, but these are not squares

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Step 4: The total number of squares remains the same as in the grid without diagonals

5

Step 5: For a single square with both diagonals, there is 1 square

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Step 6: For a 2×2 grid with diagonals in all small squares, squares = 5 (4 small + 1 large)

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Step 7: Answer with the square count

Pro Strategy: Remember that diagonals only create triangles and smaller triangles within the square. They do not create any additional squares. The square count remains the same as the grid without diagonals.

Example Problem

Example: Count squares in a square with both diagonals drawn. Solution: Step 1: The figure shows a single square with two diagonals crossing Step 2: Diagonals divide the square into 4 triangles Step 3: No new squares are formed by the diagonals Step 4: Only 1 square exists (the outer square) Answer: 1 square

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Diagonals in a square create triangles, NOT new squares
  • A single square with both diagonals still has only 1 square
  • A 2×2 grid of squares (4 small squares) with diagonals in all small squares still has 5 squares (4 small + 1 large)
  • A 3×3 grid with diagonals in all squares still has 14 squares
  • Don't be misled by the triangles - they are not squares
  • The presence of diagonals doesn't affect the square count

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Squares count = same as grid without diagonals
For single square with diagonals: answer = 1
For 2×2 grid with diagonals: answer = 5
For 3×3 grid with diagonals: answer = 14

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Counting the triangles formed by diagonals as squares
Thinking diagonals create smaller squares (they create triangles, not squares)
Adding extra squares due to diagonal intersections
Confusing squares with right triangles

Exam Importance

Squares with Diagonals is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
CAT
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Squares with Diagonals?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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