We're going to look at transformations as a pattern in this checkpoint.

Why?

• Abstract reasoning involves images and they generally utilize shapes.
• One type of pattern that can emerge is how shapes transform.

Let's look at an example.

Let's look at the parts of the whole image (remember the Pumpkin?). The components that make up this particular shape are:

1. Angles – there are three angles
2. Sides – there are three sides
3. Position – it's at 180 degrees
4. Size – it's regular sized.

What would have to change so that the above triangle becomes a square? How about a rectangle?

How many ways could a 4-sided shape (quadrilateral) transform?

• Parallelogram
• Rectangle
• Square
• Rhombus (diamond)
• Trapezium
• Kite

What are the transformations that occur when a shape changes from a…

• Parallelogram to Kite?
• Rectangle to Square?
• Rhombus (diamond) to Kite?
• Trapezium to Parallelogram?

It's important to see the shape/image in abstract reasoning as being made up of its parts because that's where the transformations often occurs.

Sometimes people don't see this because they are too preoccupied with the shape as a whole to realize that it's transforming.

So… given the component of each shape, let's see how shapes can transform and what you should be looking out for:

1. Angles – are the angles increase or decreasing in size e.g. 60 to 90? How have the angles changed? Are they increasing by equal angles?
2. Sides – have the sides lengthened, shortened, increased or decreased in number?
3. Position, Rotation and Direction – has it rotated? If so by how much? And in which direction (clockwise, anti-clockwise)
4. Size – is it increasing, decreasing.

Why are we doing this?

Well, because shape transformations are usually the harder questions in abstract reasoning and by understanding how they transform in depth you'll be better able to pick it up in the exam – simple as that!

Now, let's see some transformations and go through our 4-point checklist to examine in-detail the shape transformation.

Example Question/s

Key rules to remember

Look at the parts of the shape to see if it's changing. Note that changes can occur to the following parts to ‘transform’ an image.

• Angles – are the angles increase or decreasing in size e.g. 60 to 90? How have the angles changed? Are they increasing by equal angles?
• Sides – have the sides lengthened, shortened, increased or decreased in number?
• Position, Rotation and Direction – has it rotated? If so by how much? And in which direction (clockwise, anti-clockwise)
• Size – is it increasing, decreasing.

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let’s get started on your practice questions.

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