Embedded Figures refer to a type of visual reasoning problem where a simple figure (called the "target figure") is hidden within a more complex design. The task is to identify and trace the target figure within the given complex figure.
🧠 Importance of Embedded Figures
Enhances pattern recognition skills.
Improves observational ability and concentration.
Helps in spatial intelligence and mental rotation tasks.
🔧 Methods to Solve Embedded Figures
Method 1: Shape Matching
Break the complex figure into smaller parts.
Compare each part with the target figure.
Look for rotations, mirror images, or scaling of the target.
Example:
Target Figure:
◻ (Square)
Complex Figure:
┌─────┐ │ ▲ │ │ / \ │ └─────┘
The square is embedded in the outer boundary.
Method 2: Contour Tracing
Mentally trace the outline of the target figure.
Check if the same lines appear in the complex figure.
Example:
Target Figure:
◯ (Circle)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ /____\
No circle is embedded here.
Method 3: Negative Space Analysis
Observe the empty spaces between lines.
Sometimes the target is formed by the gaps.
Example:
Target Figure:
△ (Triangle)
Complex Figure:
★ (Star)
The star has multiple small triangles in its structure.
Method 4: Overlapping and Hidden Patterns
Some figures are partially hidden or overlapped.
Check if the target is merged with other shapes.
Example:
Target Figure:
⬢ (Hexagon)
Complex Figure:
/\ /__\ \ / \/
The hexagon is formed by overlapping two triangles.
📚 Examples with Diagram
Example 1:
Target Figure:
◻ (Square)
Complex Figure:
┌───────┐ │ ◯ │ │ + │ └───────┘
✅ Answer: The square is the outer boundary.
Example 2:
Target Figure:
◈ (Diamond)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ /____\
✅ Answer: The diamond is formed by rotating the square inside.
Example 3:
Target Figure:
⬠ (Pentagon)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ -----
❌ Answer: No pentagon is present.
💡Practice Tips
✔ Start with simple shapes (squares, triangles).
✔ Rotate the figure mentally to see hidden patterns.
✔ Eliminate distractions and focus on one part at a time.
✔ Practice regularly with different patterns.
✅ Practice Questions - Embedded Figure
Question 1
Target Figure:
◻ (Square)
Complex Figure:
┌───────┐ │ ▲ │ │ / \ │ └───────┘
Answer: ✅ Yes (The outer boundary is a square.)
Question 2
Target Figure:
◯ (Circle)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ /____\
Answer: ❌ No (No circle is embedded.)
Question 3
Target Figure:
△ (Triangle)
Complex Figure:
★ / \ /___\
Answer: ✅ Yes (The star contains small triangles.)
Question 4
Target Figure:
⬢ (Hexagon)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ \ / \/
Answer: ✅ Yes (Two overlapping triangles form a hexagon.)
Question 5
Target Figure:
⬛ (Small Square)
Complex Figure:
┌───┬───┐ │ │ │ ├───┼───┤ │ │ │ └───┴───┘
Answer: ✅ Yes (Multiple small squares are present.)
Question 6
Target Figure:
▱ (Parallelogram)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ /____\
Answer: ❌ No (Only triangles exist.)
Question 7
Target Figure:
◇ (Diamond)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ \ / \/
Answer: ✅ Yes (The diamond is formed by rotating the square.)
Question 8
Target Figure:
⬠ (Pentagon)
Complex Figure:
/\ / \ |____|
Answer: ❌ No (No pentagon is embedded.)
Question 9
Target Figure:
▷ (Right Triangle)
Complex Figure:
/| / | /__|
Answer: ✅ Yes (A right triangle is clearly visible.)
Question 10
Target Figure:
⬟ (House Shape: ◻ + △)
Complex Figure:
/\ /__\ | | |____|
Answer: ✅ Yes (The house shape is formed by a square and a triangle.)
