The GATE Grind

GATE 2023 ME – Question 5

General Aptitude · Analytical Aptitude: Logical Reasoning and Deduction · 1 mark · Multiple choice

The symbols ○, ∗, △, and □ are to be filled, one in each box, as shown below. The rules for filling in the four symbols are as follows.
1) Every row and every column must contain each of the four symbols.
2) Every 2×2 square delineated by bold lines must contain each of the four symbols.

Which symbol will occupy the box marked with '?' in the partially filled figure?

a 4 × 4 grid split into four 2 × 2 squares. Row 1: blank, ?, blank, △. Row 2: blank, ○, ∗, blank. Row 3: blank, blank, □, ∗. Row 4: ∗, blank, △, ○.
  1. ○ (circle)
  2. ∗ (star)
  3. △ (triangle)
  4. □ (square)

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) ∗ (star)

Explanation

Column 4 has △, ∗ and ○, so the missing box in row 2 is □. Row 2 then has ○, ∗, □, so its first box is △. The top-left 2×2 square has ○ and △, so row 1 boxes 1 and 2 are ∗ and □. The top-right 2×2 square has △, ∗, □, so row 1 box 3 is ○. Column 1 already has △ (row 2) and ∗ (row 4), so row 1 box 1 cannot be ∗ and it is □. Then the box marked '?' (row 1, box 2) is ∗.