Permutation & Swap

Elements exchange positions according to a fixed rule. No new elements — just rearrangement.

Understanding this pattern

Permutation patterns rearrange elements within a fixed grid. Edges swap, quadrants rotate, or elements cycle through a defined order. The total number of elements stays constant — what changes is their configuration. These are among the most difficult patterns because the rule affects relationships between elements, not individual properties.

Example Question 1

Permutation & Swap q04_swap_edges

Correct answer: D

Pattern Rule

The dot, circle, triangle, and empty cell keep their identities. One adjacent edge-pair swaps in every panel, and the active edge advances clockwise around the 2×2 grid: bottom, left, top, right, then repeat.

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.

How to spot it

Same elements present in every frame, but in different positions
Pairs of elements seem to swap places systematically
The overall "inventory" of shapes/colours stays constant

Common traps

Trying to track individual elements instead of the swap rule
Confusing which pair swaps — it may alternate between different pairs
Assuming a simple rotation when the rule is a more complex permutation

Related tags

permutation edge_swap grid_2x2

Question patterns using this concept (2)

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

Swap Edges Arrow Staircase

Practice Now Abstract Reasoning Patterns

Other pattern concepts

Rotation Accumulation Dual Speed Shape Cycling Path & Movement Interaction & Fusion Quadrants & Sectors Alternation & Fill Symmetry & Reflection