Inductive reasoning: guide and free practice

Inductive reasoning means identifying a pattern that explains examples and using it to predict the next case. Start with simple changes and verify the rule against every step.

Track one feature at a time

For a visual pattern, separate position, orientation, count, shape and shading. One feature may alternate while another rotates. A useful scratch table has one row per feature and one column per frame.

Check changes before values

In a numerical sequence, inspect consecutive differences, then differences between those differences. If values jump rapidly, check multiplication. Alternating positions may form two independent sequences. For letters, write alphabet positions only when that makes the pattern clearer.

Reject a rule that fits only the end

A prediction should explain the whole supplied sequence. A clever rule that ignores the first transition is weaker than a simple repeated operation. Finite sequences can support many mathematical rules, so our exercises ask for the intended simple pattern and their explanations make that pattern explicit.

Text drills versus visual tests

This first set trains counting, alternating rules, cyclic movement and letter steps using accessible text. It is not a replica of a provider's image matrix. The symbolic movement exercises describe the changing position in words, so they can be read without relying on colour or an image.

Your first practice session

Choose the continuation of the intended simple repeating or arithmetic rule. Check it against every supplied step. Alphabet questions use the English alphabet.

Try 10 questions with explanations

Worked examples

  1. 1. Using successive odd-number differences, continue: 4, 7, 12, 19, 28, ?
    1. 35
    2. 37
    3. 39
    4. 41

    Reference: q-33e348cd-71 · Report this question

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    Answer: C. 39

    Differences are 3, 5, 7, 9. The next difference is 11, so the next term is 39.
  2. 2. Continue the two interleaved counting sequences: 3, 20, 6, 18, 9, 16, ?
    1. 12
    2. 13
    3. 14
    4. 15

    Reference: q-bbf73606-72 · Report this question

    Show answer and solution

    Answer: A. 12

    Odd positions increase 3, 6, 9, 12; even positions decrease 20, 18, 16. The next term is in the odd-position sequence.
  3. 3. A marker repeats this clockwise cycle: north, east, south, west. It starts north. Where is it after six moves?
    1. North
    2. East
    3. South
    4. West

    Reference: q-6b7162ec-111 · Report this question

    Show answer and solution

    Answer: C. South

    Four moves complete one cycle. Two further moves reach south.

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About this practice

These are independently written teaching questions. A practice score helps you review your answers; it is not a validated hiring prediction or an official employer score.