Like Figures
A like figures question in 11+ non-verbal reasoning, sometimes called similarities, shows three figures that all follow the same hidden rule and asks the pupil to pick, from five options, the one figure that follows the same rule and belongs with the group. It tests finding a rule that fits several examples at once rather than a single change.
Method
- List every feature the three given figures might share: sides, dots, shading, symmetry, or a relationship between two parts of the figure.
- Rule out any feature that does not hold for all three figures, keeping only the rule that fits every one.
- State the rule as precisely as possible, for example dots equal sides minus one, rather than just has dots.
- Test each of the five options against that exact rule.
- Refine the rule using a feature you have not yet checked if more than one option seems to fit.
Worked example
Figure 1 is a square containing 4 small triangles. Figure 2 is a pentagon containing 5 small triangles. Figure 3 is a hexagon containing 6 small triangles. Which follows the same rule: a triangle containing 2 small triangles, or a heptagon containing 7 small triangles?
- Compare the number of sides of the main shape to the number of small triangles inside it in each figure.
- Figure 1 has 4 sides and 4 triangles; Figure 2 has 5 sides and 5 triangles; Figure 3 has 6 sides and 6 triangles, so the rule is the number of small triangles equals the number of sides.
- Test the heptagon containing 7 small triangles: 7 sides and 7 triangles, which fits the rule.
- Test the triangle containing 2 small triangles: 3 sides but only 2 triangles, which does not fit the rule.
- Final answer: The heptagon containing 7 small triangles follows the same rule.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Figure 1: triangle with 1 dot. Figure 2: pentagon with 2 dots. Figure 3: heptagon with 3 dots. Which follows the same rule: a nonagon (9 sides) with 4 dots, or an octagon (8 sides) with 4 dots? Explain your reasoning.
Figure 1: square shaded grey with a black dot in the top-left corner. Figure 2: hexagon shaded grey with a black dot in the top-left corner. Figure 3: octagon shaded grey with a black dot in the top-left corner. Which follows the same rule: a pentagon shaded grey with a black dot in the top-left corner, or a pentagon shaded grey with a black dot in the centre?
Figure 1: square (4 sides) with 2 dots, unshaded, thin outline. Figure 2: hexagon (6 sides) with 3 dots, unshaded, medium outline. Figure 3: octagon (8 sides) with 4 dots, unshaded, thick outline. Which follows the same rule: a decagon (10 sides) with 5 dots, unshaded, extra-thick outline, or a decagon (10 sides) with 5 dots, unshaded, thin outline?
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the like figures worksheet pack - 15 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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