Correct Option (2)
The matrix follows a specific pattern based on the outer shape, inner shape, and shading of the figures.
- Outer Shape Pattern: Each row and each column of the matrix contains one instance of each of the three distinct outer shapes (Square, Circle, Triangle). In the third row, the existing outer shapes are Triangle and Square. Therefore, the missing outer shape for the blank cell must be a Circle. Similarly, in the third column, the existing outer shapes are Triangle and Square, also requiring a Circle.
- Inner Shape Pattern: Each row and each column of the matrix contains one instance of each of the three distinct inner shapes (Square, Circle, Triangle). In the third row, the existing inner shapes are Square and Circle. Therefore, the missing inner shape for the blank cell must be a Triangle. Similarly, in the third column, the existing inner shapes are Square and Circle, also requiring a Triangle.
- Shading Pattern: In every cell, exactly one of the two shapes (outer or inner) is shaded, while the other is unshaded. Observing the pattern across rows, the shading alternates between the outer and inner shapes in successive cells. If the outer shape is shaded in a cell (X,Y), the inner shape is shaded in the next cell (X,Y+1). Conversely, if the inner shape is shaded in cell (X,Y), the outer shape is shaded in cell (X,Y+1).
- In cell (3,1), the Outer Triangle is shaded.
- Following the rule, in cell (3,2), the Inner Circle is shaded (which is consistent with the given matrix).
- In cell (3,2), the Inner Circle is shaded.
- Therefore, for the blank cell (3,3), the Outer shape must be shaded.
Combining these rules, the figure for the blank cell must have an Outer Circle (shaded) and an Inner Triangle (unshaded). Option 2 matches this configuration.
Incorrect Options:
- Option 1: This option has an Outer Square and an Inner Triangle, with the outer shape shaded. While the inner shape and shading of the outer shape are correct, the outer shape itself (Square) is incorrect as it violates the outer shape pattern for both the third row and third column.
- Option 3: This option has an Outer Circle and an Inner Square, with the outer shape shaded. While the outer shape and shading of the outer shape are correct, the inner shape (Square) is incorrect as it violates the inner shape pattern for both the third row and third column.
- Option 4: This option has an Outer Triangle and an Inner Circle, with the outer shape shaded. Both the outer shape (Triangle) and the inner shape (Circle) are incorrect according to the established patterns for the third row and third column.
