Identify the number of rhombus in the following figure.

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Explanation

16, determined by systematically counting all rhombuses based on their size.
There are 8 small rhombuses (the basic units).
There are 7 medium rhombuses, each formed by combining two small rhombuses (5 horizontally and 2 vertically).
There is 1 large rhombus, formed by combining the four central small rhombuses.
The total count is the sum of all sizes: 8 (small) + 7 (medium) + 1 (large) = 16.

Option A: This count is incorrect. A count of 15 likely results from missing one of the medium-sized or the single large rhombus during the counting process.
Option C: This count is incorrect. A count of 14 likely results from missing two rhombuses, for example, the two vertically-oriented medium rhombuses or other combinations.
Option D: This count is incorrect. A count of 17 suggests an error where one rhombus was accidentally counted twice.

Visual 1: Infographic. An image of the figure with the 8 small rhombuses highlighted in one color.
Visual 2: Infographic. An image of the figure with the 7 medium rhombuses highlighted in a second color.
Visual 3: Infographic. An image of the figure with the 1 large rhombus highlighted in a third color.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Visual Reasoning and Figure Counting as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a logical reasoning question designed to test analytical and observational skills, which are important for nurses but not directly related to clinical practice.
There is no direct clinical application for this type of abstract puzzle.
What if the question asked for triangles? The approach would be similar: count triangles of different sizes systematically to find the total.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the figure to understand its structure. Notice that it's a composite shape made of smaller, identical units.
To avoid errors like missing shapes or double-counting, create a systematic plan. A good strategy is to categorize the shapes you are counting by size.
Start by counting the smallest, most obvious rhombuses. Work row by row to ensure none are missed.
Next, look for larger rhombuses formed by combining the smaller units. Check for combinations of two, three, four, etc., small units.
Keep a running tally for each size category.
Finally, sum the counts from all categories to arrive at the total number.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer 2016 (Shift -2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.