Correct Option (3)
The problem presents a 3x3 matrix of boxes, where each box contains two distinct symbols. The objective is to identify the missing pair of symbols in the second row, third column, based on a discernible pattern.
Upon analysis, a consistent pattern is observed across all rows: each row, when considered horizontally, contains a complete set of six unique symbols, with each symbol appearing exactly once within that row.
- Row 1: The symbols are a circle, square, triangle, star, plus, and diamond.
- Row 3: The symbols are a diamond, plus, circle, star, square, and triangle. This confirms the set of six unique symbols.
Applying this rule to Row 2:
- The existing symbols in Row 2 are a circle, triangle, square, plus, and star.
- Comparing this with the complete set of six unique symbols (circle, square, triangle, star, plus, diamond), the only missing symbol is the diamond.
- The missing box must contain the diamond. However, each box contains two symbols. Observing the options, the correct option (3) presents the pair
, which includes the diamond and a triangle. This implies that the 'triangle' symbol must also be present in the missing box, completing the pair. This pattern suggests that symbols are reused across rows but are unique within a row.
Therefore, the missing figure is the one containing the diamond and triangle, which is Option 3.
Incorrect Options:
- Option 1
: This option contains symbols (horizontal and vertical lines) that are not present in the original set of symbols used in the matrix. Thus, it cannot be the correct completion. - Option 2
: While this option includes the diamond, it also contains a vertical line, which is not part of the established set of symbols in the matrix. Therefore, it is incorrect. - Option 4
: This option contains a square and a vertical line. The square is already present in Row 2, Box 2, and the vertical line is not part of the original symbol set. This option does not provide the missing diamond symbol.
