Pattern Inversion Analogy

Pattern Inversion Figure Analogy problems involve figures where shading or fill patterns are inverted (light becomes dark, dark becomes light). You must identify the inversion rule and apply it to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of negative images and contrast reversal.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Pattern Inversion Analogy

Pattern Inversion Figure Analogy problems involve figures where shading or fill patterns are inverted (light becomes dark, dark becomes light). You must identify the inversion rule and apply it to a new figure. These problems test your understanding of negative images and contrast reversal.

Prerequisites

Understanding of shading and fill patterns Contrast reversal concept Negative image visualization Pattern matching skills
Why This Matters: Pattern Inversion problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test visual perception of shading and contrast.

How to Solve Pattern Inversion Analogy Problems

1

Step 1: Compare Figure A and Figure B to identify the inversion

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Step 2: Check if shaded areas become unshaded and vice versa

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Step 3: Note that background and foreground colors may swap

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Step 4: Apply the same inversion to Figure C

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Step 5: Every filled element becomes empty, every empty becomes filled

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Step 6: The shape and position of elements remain the same

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Step 7: The correct answer has inverted shading of Figure C

Pro Strategy: Identify the inversion pattern: light areas become dark, dark areas become light. The shapes and their positions remain unchanged; only the shading reverses.

Example Problem

Example: Figure A: Light circle with dark dot inside. Figure B: Dark circle with light dot inside. Figure C: Light triangle with dark lines. What should Figure ? look like? Solution: Step 1: A→B: shading inversion (light↔dark) Step 2: Apply inversion to C: light triangle becomes dark triangle, dark lines become light lines Step 3: Answer: Dark triangle with light lines Answer: Dark triangle with light lines

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Light (unshaded) becomes dark (shaded)
  • Dark (shaded) becomes light (unshaded)
  • Background and foreground colors swap
  • The shape outlines usually remain (may invert as well)
  • Inversion is like creating a photographic negative
  • All elements in the figure are affected

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A is mostly light and B is mostly dark → inversion
Apply the same: C's light areas become dark, dark areas become light
The figure's structure remains identical, only fill changes
Inversion = swapping two colors (e.g., white↔black)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Changing the shape or position of elements (only shading changes)
Inverting only part of the figure
Confusing inversion with rotation or reflection
Forgetting that outlines may also invert

Exam Importance

Pattern Inversion Analogy 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 Pattern Inversion 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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