This mathematics problem involves applying core mathematical principles and formulas. Below you will find a complete step-by-step solution with detailed explanations for each step, helping you understand not just the answer but the method behind it.
Which shape comes next in the sequence?

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6 stepsAnswer
A
To solve this abstract reasoning question, we need to identify the pattern in the sequence of shapes. Let's analyze the shapes in each of the four given boxes. Each box contains a 2x2 grid with four positions: Top-Left (TL), Top-Right (TR), Bottom-Left (BL), and Bottom-Right (BR).
Sequence Analysis:
Box 1:
- TL: Empty Up Triangle
- TR: Filled Square
- BL: Empty Square
- BR: Filled Down Triangle
Box 2:
- TL: Empty Square
- TR: Empty Circle
- BL: Empty Up Triangle
- BR: Filled Right Triangle
Box 3:
- TL: Empty Up Triangle
- TR: Filled Square
- BL: Empty Square
- BR: Filled Down Triangle
Box 4:
- TL: Empty Up Triangle
- TR: Empty Circle
- BL: Empty Square
- BR: Filled Right Triangle
Identifying the Pattern:
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Alternating Patterns: We can observe that Box 1 and Box 3 are identical. This suggests an alternating pattern. Let's call this "Pattern A".
- Pattern A: (TL: Empty Up Triangle, TR: Filled Square, BL: Empty Square, BR: Filled Down Triangle)
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Variations in the Second Pattern: Box 2 and Box 4 are similar but not identical. Let's call this "Pattern B".
- Box 2 (Pattern B - Version 1): (TL: Empty Square, TR: Empty Circle, BL: Empty Up Triangle, BR: Filled Right Triangle)
- Box 4 (Pattern B - Version 2): (TL: Empty Up Triangle, TR: Empty Circle, BL: Empty Square, BR: Filled Right Triangle)
Comparing Box 2 and Box 4, we see that the shapes in the Top-Left (TL) and Bottom-Left (BL) positions have swapped.
- In Box 2: TL has an Empty Square, BL has an Empty Up Triangle.
- In Box 4: TL has an Empty Up Triangle, BL has an Empty Square. The TR and BR positions remain the same in both versions of Pattern B.
Predicting the Next Shape:
The sequence follows this order:
- Pattern A (Box 1)
- Pattern B - Version 1 (Box 2)
- Pattern A (Box 3)
- Pattern B - Version 2 (Box 4)
Following this alternating sequence, the next shape (Box 5) should be Pattern A.
Pattern A is:
- TL: Empty Up Triangle
- TR: Filled Square
- BL: Empty Square
- BR: Filled Down Triangle
Now, let's compare this with the given options:
-
Option A:
- TL: Empty Up Triangle
- TR: Filled Square
- BL: Empty Square
- BR: Filled Down Triangle This matches Pattern A exactly.
-
Option B: TR is an Empty Square (should be Filled Square).
-
Option C: Many differences.
-
Option D: BR is a Filled Square (should be Filled Down Triangle).
Therefore, Option A is the correct shape that comes next in the sequence.
The final answer is .
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Each box contains a 2x2 grid with four positions: Top-Left (TL), Top-Right (TR), Bottom-Left (BL), and Bottom-Right (BR).