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Path & Movement

An element follows a defined trajectory — along edges, diagonals, or through grid cells.

Understanding this pattern

Path patterns move an element through space along a predictable trajectory. A dot might slide along the edges of a square, traverse a diagonal, or snake through grid cells. The movement can be linear (constant direction), bouncing (reverse at edges), or following a predetermined route. Predicting the next position requires understanding the path rule.

Example Question 1

Path & Movement q16_vertical_bars_shift
Options A B C D E
Correct answer: D

Pattern Rule

The contiguous block of black bars moves one position to the right in every panel. Its size stays unchanged, and any bar leaving position 5 wraps around to position 1.

Explanation

Option D is the only choice that applies this rule to the next panel. Every other choice stops, reverses, skips, or misaligns at least one part of the pattern.

Example Question 2

Path & Movement q16_vertical_bars_shift
Options A B C D E
Correct answer: E

Pattern Rule

The contiguous block of black bars moves one position to the right in every panel. Its size stays unchanged, and any bar leaving position 5 wraps around to position 1.

Explanation

Option E is the only choice that applies this rule to the next panel. Every other choice stops, reverses, skips, or misaligns at least one part of the pattern.

Example Question 3

Path & Movement q16_vertical_bars_shift
Options A B C D E
Correct answer: D

Pattern Rule

The contiguous block of black bars moves one position to the right in every panel. Its size stays unchanged, and any bar leaving position 5 wraps around to position 1.

Explanation

Option D is the only choice that applies this rule to the next panel. Every other choice stops, reverses, skips, or misaligns at least one part of the pattern.

Example Question 4

Path & Movement q16_vertical_bars_shift
Options A B C D E
Correct answer: C

Pattern Rule

The contiguous block of black bars moves one position to the right in every panel. Its size stays unchanged, and any bar leaving position 5 wraps around to position 1.

Explanation

Option C is the only choice that applies this rule to the next panel. Every other choice stops, reverses, skips, or misaligns at least one part of the pattern.

How to spot it

  • An element appears in a different position each frame
  • The positions form a line, diagonal, or edge-following pattern
  • Movement direction may reverse when hitting a boundary

Common traps

  • Assuming linear movement when the element bounces off edges
  • Miscounting the number of positions per step (1 cell vs 2 cells)
  • Not recognizing that the path wraps around (exits right, enters left)

Related tags

path linear sliding diagonal diagonal_band

Question patterns using this concept (11)

Choose a question pattern below to open the exam configurator and practise only that specific pattern.

Rotation Path Sliding Ticks Shape Cycle Diagonal Path Accumulation Diagonal Band Distinct Vertical Bars Shift Arrow Staircase Circle Pos Triangles 3X3 Moving Black Fill 3X3 Moving O 6X6 Sparse Accumulation
Practice Now Abstract Reasoning Patterns

Other pattern concepts

Rotation Accumulation Dual Speed Permutation & Swap Shape Cycling Interaction & Fusion Quadrants & Sectors Alternation & Fill Symmetry & Reflection