Shape Progression Rules

Learn

How shapes change or stay constant across matrix rows and columns.

Shape rules determine which geometric form appears in each cell. The simplest rule is 'constant shape' where all cells contain the same form. Progression rules change the shape systematically—either the same order repeats in each row, each column has its own shape, or each row/column contains three different shapes. Understanding shape rules helps isolate this attribute from size and fill.

shape(cell) = f(row, col) or constant

• Constant: All cells contain circles
• Row pattern: Each row shows circle → square → triangle
• All different: Each row has 3 unique shapes (order may vary)

How to recognize it

• Check if all shapes are identical (constant rule)
• Compare shapes across each row—do they follow a pattern?
• Compare shapes down each column—do they follow a pattern?
• Note: shape is independent of size and fill

Common mistakes

• Confusing shape order with size or fill patterns
• Assuming shapes must change when they might be constant
• Missing that different rows can have different shape sets

Practice guidance

Pattern Recognition