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Addition/Elimination

Addition/Elimination problems feature series where elements (dots, lines, small shapes) are added to or removed from the figure at each step. The number of elements may increase by a constant amount (arithmetic progression) or follow another pattern. You must count the elements and determine the next figure's element count.

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

What You'll Learn

Introduction & Overview Why This Matters How to Solve Pro Tips & Tricks
Shortcut Methods Common Mistakes Practice Worksheets Exam Importance

Introduction to Addition/Elimination

Addition/Elimination problems feature series where elements (dots, lines, small shapes) are added to or removed from the figure at each step. The number of elements may increase by a constant amount (arithmetic progression) or follow another pattern. You must count the elements and determine the next figure's element count.

Prerequisites

Basic counting skills Arithmetic progression understanding Pattern recognition Attention to detail
Why This Matters: Addition/Elimination problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test counting and pattern recognition.

How to Solve Addition/Elimination Problems

1

Step 1: Count the number of elements (dots, lines, shapes) in each figure

2

Step 2: Calculate the difference between consecutive counts

3

Step 3: If differences are constant → arithmetic progression

4

Step 4: Apply the same change to the last count to find next count

5

Step 5: For elimination (decreasing), differences will be negative

6

Step 6: Verify that the pattern of element placement is consistent

7

Step 7: Select the figure with the correct number of elements

Pro Strategy: Count elements systematically (dots, lines, small shapes, or repeated patterns). Determine if elements are being added or removed. The placement pattern (positions) may also follow a sequence (e.g., elements appear in clockwise order).

Example Problem

Example: Elements count: 1, 2, 3, 4, ___. Find the next count. Solution: Step 1: Counts: 1, 2, 3, 4 Step 2: Differences: +1 each time Step 3: Next count = 4 + 1 = 5 Answer: Figure with 5 elements

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Elements may be identical or different types
  • The position of new elements often follows a pattern (corners, edges, center)
  • Elimination patterns remove elements in a specific order
  • Addition patterns may add elements at regular intervals
  • Some series add one element, then remove one (alternating)
  • The total number of elements follows an arithmetic progression

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

Next count = Last count + (Count₂ - Count₁)
If pattern adds 1 each time, next count = last + 1
If pattern removes 1 each time, next count = last - 1
For alternating add/remove, track the sequence pattern

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing elements that are small or partially hidden
Counting elements of different types together when they follow separate patterns
Assuming addition when pattern shows elimination (and vice versa)
Not considering element position pattern along with count

Exam Importance

Addition/Elimination 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
2-3 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Addition/Elimination?

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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