Occlusion Hiding

Occlusion Hiding problems hide a simple shape (circle, square, triangle) behind other, larger shapes. The hidden shape is partially visible, peeking out from behind the foreground objects. You must identify the shape based on the visible parts and the context of the overlapping figures.

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

Introduction to Occlusion Hiding

Occlusion Hiding problems hide a simple shape (circle, square, triangle) behind other, larger shapes. The hidden shape is partially visible, peeking out from behind the foreground objects. You must identify the shape based on the visible parts and the context of the overlapping figures.

Prerequisites

Understanding of depth perception Shape completion (gestalt psychology) Visual inference Overlap reasoning
Why This Matters: Occlusion Hiding problems appear in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams.

How to Solve Occlusion Hiding Problems

1

Step 1: Identify the foreground shapes that are causing the occlusion.

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Step 2: Look for parts of a shape that are not covered by the foreground.

3

Step 3: Mentally complete the hidden shape by extrapolating from the visible parts.

4

Step 4: The visible parts might include a curved edge (suggesting a circle), a straight edge (suggesting a polygon), or a corner.

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Step 5: Consider the context: the hidden shape is often placed so that it is partially visible from multiple sides.

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Step 6: Once you have a candidate shape, verify that it fits perfectly behind the foreground objects.

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Step 7: Select the answer option that matches the occluded shape.

Pro Strategy: Use the law of good continuation (gestalt principle). The visible edges should smoothly continue to form a complete, simple shape. The hidden shape is often the simplest shape that fits the visible clues.

Example Problem

Example: A large square partially covers a shape. The visible parts show a curved edge. The hidden shape is likely a circle. Solution: Step 1: Foreground shape: square. Step 2: Visible part: a curved line. Step 3: A curved line suggests a circle or an oval. Step 4: A circle is the most common hidden shape in such puzzles. Step 5: Mentally place a circle behind the square; the visible part matches. Answer: Circle

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • A curved visible edge strongly suggests a circle or an oval.
  • Two straight edges meeting at a corner suggest a square or rectangle.
  • Three straight edges suggest a triangle.
  • The hidden shape is usually centered behind the foreground objects.
  • The visible parts are often at the edges of the foreground shapes.
  • If multiple parts are visible, connect them mentally to form the whole.

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If you see a curved arc, the hidden shape is almost always a circle.
If you see two perpendicular straight edges, the hidden shape is likely a square.
If you see three straight edges, the hidden shape is likely a triangle.
The hidden shape is often the largest shape that fits behind the foreground.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not considering that the hidden shape might be rotated.
Assuming the hidden shape is the same as the foreground shape.
Not using the visible parts from all sides to complete the shape.
Choosing a shape that is too complex or irregular.

Exam Importance

Occlusion Hiding 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
UPSC
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Occlusion Hiding?

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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