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Visual Analogy

Visual Analogy problems present a relationship between two figures (A:B) and ask you to apply the same relationship to a third figure (C) to find the missing figure (D). The relationship can be transformation-based (solid→hollow, large→small, rotation, reflection) or relation-based (parent→child, cause→effect).

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
IntermediateDifficulty
2-3 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 Visual Analogy

Visual Analogy problems present a relationship between two figures (A:B) and ask you to apply the same relationship to a third figure (C) to find the missing figure (D). The relationship can be transformation-based (solid→hollow, large→small, rotation, reflection) or relation-based (parent→child, cause→effect).

Prerequisites

Understanding of analogical reasoning Recognition of transformation rules (solid to hollow, size change, rotation, reflection) Concept of relations (is-a, part-of, cause-effect) Pattern matching skills
Why This Matters: Visual Analogy problems appear in 2-3 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. They test ability to identify and apply transformation rules between figures.

How to Solve Visual Analogy Problems

1

Step 1: Analyze the relationship between Figure A and Figure B

2

Step 2: Identify the transformation rule (solid→hollow, large→small, rotate, reflect, etc.)

3

Step 3: Verify that the rule applies consistently to all aspects of the figure

4

Step 4: Apply the same transformation rule to Figure C

5

Step 5: The result is Figure D, the missing figure

6

Step 6: Verify that the transformation produces a valid figure

7

Step 7: Select the correct answer option

Pro Strategy: Identify the transformation rule by comparing A and B. Common rules include: solid↔hollow, large↔small, rotation (90°, 180°), reflection (mirror), addition/removal of elements, and color changes. Apply the exact same rule to C.

Example Problem

Example: A: ● (solid circle) → B: ○ (hollow circle). C: ■ (solid square) → D: ? Solution: Step 1: Relationship = solid → hollow Step 2: Solid circle becomes hollow circle Step 3: Apply same rule to solid square Step 4: Solid square becomes hollow square (□) Answer: □

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Solid → hollow: ● becomes ○, ■ becomes □, ▲ becomes △, ◆ becomes ◇
  • Large → small: size decreases by a factor
  • Rotation: up arrow → right arrow (90° clockwise)
  • Reflection: left-pointing arrow → right-pointing arrow (mirror)
  • Addition: add dots (● → ●●)
  • Relation: father → son, teacher → student

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If A→B is solid→hollow, then C→D is solid→hollow
If A→B is rotate 90°, then C→D is also rotate 90°
If A→B is add 1 dot, then C→D is add 1 dot
The transformation is applied to C to get D
Analogies are often in the format A : B :: C : ?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying the wrong transformation to C
Applying the inverse transformation (B→A instead of A→B)
Not verifying that the transformation applies to all elements
Assuming the relationship is identity when it is not

Exam Importance

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

SSC CGL
2-3 questions
BANKING PO
2-3 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
2-3 questions
INSURANCE
2-3 questions

Ready to Master Visual 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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