Abstract Relationship Analogy

Abstract Relationship Figure Analogy problems involve complex, progressive relationships between outer and inner shapes based on properties like number of sides. For example, the outer shape's side count determines the inner shape, and the inner shape's side count determines the next outer shape. These problems test advanced pattern recognition and multi-level reasoning.

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Introduction to Abstract Relationship Analogy

Abstract Relationship Figure Analogy problems involve complex, progressive relationships between outer and inner shapes based on properties like number of sides. For example, the outer shape's side count determines the inner shape, and the inner shape's side count determines the next outer shape. These problems test advanced pattern recognition and multi-level reasoning.

Prerequisites

Advanced pattern recognition Property mapping skills (side counts, shape types) Progressive relationship understanding Multi-level reasoning
Why This Matters: Abstract Relationship problems appear in 0-2 questions in advanced exams like CAT and Banking PO mains. They test high-level abstract reasoning and pattern recognition.

How to Solve Abstract Relationship Analogy Problems

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Step 1: Identify the relationship between outer and inner shapes in Figure A

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Step 2: Identify the relationship in Figure B

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Step 3: Determine the progressive rule (e.g., inner's side count becomes next outer's side count)

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Step 4: Apply the same progressive rule to Figure C

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Step 5: The rule may involve transformation of side counts

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Step 6: Special shapes (circle = infinite sides) may have specific handling

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Step 7: The correct answer satisfies the progressive relationship

Pro Strategy: Look for relationships that link properties of one figure to properties of another. Common abstract relationships involve side counts, symmetry, or other geometric properties. The transformation often follows a progression (arithmetic or geometric).

Example Problem

Example: Figure A: Circle (outer) with diamond (4 sides inside). Figure B: Hexagon (6 sides) with circle (inside). Figure C: Hexagon with diamond inside. What should Figure ? look like? Solution: Step 1: A: circle (∞) outer, diamond (4) inner Step 2: B: hexagon (6) outer, circle (∞) inner Step 3: Rule: inner's side count (4) becomes next outer's side count (6) → progression by +2 Step 4: C: hexagon (6) outer, diamond (4) inner Step 5: Apply rule: next outer = inner's side count (4) → square? Wait, progression 4→6→8 Step 6: Next outer = octagon (8), next inner = hexagon (6) Step 7: Answer: Octagon with hexagon inside Answer: Octagon with hexagon inside

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Count the number of sides of each shape
  • Look for arithmetic progression (4→6→8, 2→4→6, etc.)
  • Circle is often treated as having infinite sides (or 0)
  • The outer shape of B may be determined by inner shape of A
  • The relationship may be: inner(sides) → outer(sides) → inner(sides)
  • Progression may be additive (+2, +3) or multiplicative (×2, ×3)

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A has outer X and inner Y, B has outer Y and inner Z, then pattern continues
The side count progression often follows a constant difference
Circle ↔ infinite sides often treated as a special case
The pattern may cycle after a certain number of steps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the progressive nature of the relationship
Treating the relationship as direct transformation instead of progressive
Misidentifying the progression increment
Forgetting special handling for circles

Exam Importance

Abstract Relationship Analogy is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

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

Ready to Master Abstract Relationship Analogy?

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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