The next figure (indicated by '?') in the sequence is shown below. Three grid panels are given, each a grid with a small arrow in the top-left corner and one dot and one filled triangle placed in different cells; the positions of the dot, the triangle, and the arrow orientation change from panel to panel following a consistent rule. The fourth panel (marked '?') must be chosen from the given options.
Show Hint
Track how far and in which direction the dot and the triangle each move from one panel to the next, then apply that same movement once more.
Step 1: Compare the movement across each panel pair.
The three given panels form a short animation: the dot and the triangle each move a fixed number of cells in a fixed direction from one panel to the next. Set up two separate movement checks, one for the dot's path and one for the triangle's path, across panel 1 to 2 and panel 2 to 3.
Step 2: Verify each option against the projected position.
Option (A): continues the dot's path and the triangle's path exactly as established across panels 1, 2, and 3, with the grid and arrow kept in the same relative orientation. This matches the sequence.
Option (B): the dot and triangle appear in positions that do not follow the step size and direction seen between the earlier panels, so this breaks the established rule.
Option (C): the shapes are placed closer to their panel-3 positions than the rule allows, as if the movement had stopped partway, so this option under-shoots the pattern.
Option (D): the shapes are shifted in the wrong direction relative to the pattern shown in panels 1 to 3, effectively reversing part of the movement.
Step 3: Conclude.
Only option (A) keeps both the dot's and the triangle's motion consistent with what panels 1, 2, and 3 already show.
Final Answer:
The figure in option (A) is the correct continuation of the sequence.
