Identify the figure given in the options which when put in place of '?' will logically complete the series.

DSSSB 14 August 2024

Reasoning

Hard

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The solution is found by identifying two separate patterns: one for the outer pentagon's rotation and one for the inner symbol's sequence.
The outer pentagon rotates clockwise by an angle that increases by 45° with each step (90°, 135°, 180°, and finally 225°).
A 225° clockwise rotation from the fourth figure's position (pointing South-East) results in the pentagon pointing directly North (up).
The inner symbol follows a simple repeating sequence of {x, x, x, +}. Since the fourth figure has a '+', the fifth figure restarts the sequence with an 'x'.
Therefore, the correct figure must show a pentagon pointing North with an 'x' symbol inside.

Option A: This option does not match the logical continuation of the series. The final figure must have a pentagon pointing North and an 'x' symbol inside, based on the established patterns of rotation and sequence.
Option B: This option fails to follow the identified patterns. Any figure that does not show a North-pointing pentagon with an 'x' symbol is an incorrect continuation of the series.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it does not adhere to both the rotational pattern of the pentagon and the sequential pattern of the inner symbol. For example, it might show the correct rotation but the wrong symbol (a '+'), or the correct symbol but the wrong rotation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Logical Reasoning: Visual Pattern Recognition in a Series as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical question, logical reasoning and pattern recognition are foundational skills for nurses.
These skills are used daily in clinical practice for tasks like interpreting vital sign trends, recognizing deteriorating patient conditions, and troubleshooting equipment alarms.
For example, a nurse might notice a pattern of gradually decreasing oxygen saturation, increasing heart rate, and rising respiratory rate, recognizing this as a pattern of impending respiratory distress.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the image series to identify all the components that change. In this case, there is an outer shape (pentagon) and an inner symbol.
Treat each component as a separate pattern to be solved independently. This simplifies the problem.
For the outer pentagon, observe the direction and angle of rotation between each step. Note that the angle of rotation is not constant but increases by a fixed amount (45°).
Calculate the next rotation in the sequence (180° + 45° = 225°) and determine the final orientation of the pentagon.
For the inner symbol, look for a simple pattern like rotation, alternation, or repetition. Here, the pattern is a repeating sequence of three 'x' symbols followed by one '+' symbol.
Determine the next element in the sequence for both the outer shape and the inner symbol.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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