Quadrants & Sectors
A frame divided into regions with independent rules per region. Multi-zone reasoning required.
Understanding this pattern
Quadrant patterns divide each frame into 2-4 sectors, each governed by its own rule. One quadrant might rotate while another accumulates. The challenge is decomposing the problem into independent sub-problems and solving each separately. These are the highest-difficulty patterns, requiring parallel tracking of multiple rules.
Example Question
Pattern Rule
The two moving elements are a diagonally hatched square and a solid black square. They always occupy diagonally opposite corners of the outer square. From one panel to the next, both move one corner counterclockwise: the hatched square follows TL → BL → BR → TR → TL, while the black square follows BR → TR → TL → BL → BR. The internal outlined framework remains fixed, with portions hidden where a large square covers it. Therefore, after panel 5 repeats panel 1, the next panel must repeat panel 2.
Explanation
Option C is correct because it shows the hatched square at bottom-left and the black square at top-right, matching the next state. Option A repeats panel 1/5, with hatched top-left and black bottom-right. Option B has hatched bottom-left and black bottom-right, so the squares are adjacent rather than diagonally opposite. Option D has black top-right and hatched bottom-right, also adjacent. Option E shows black bottom-left and hatched top-right, which repeats panel 4 rather than continuing to panel 2's arrangement.
How to spot it
- The frame has visible dividers creating distinct regions
- Different regions seem to follow different rules
- Changes in one region do not affect another region
Common traps
- Trying to find one global rule instead of per-region rules
- Getting overwhelmed and not systematically checking each quadrant
- Assuming all quadrants follow the same rule at different phases
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