Q75·CSAT · Prelims 2026

Logic — Grid Symmetry & Spatial Patterns

ReasoningMatrix PuzzleSeries & Pattern● Hard

Question

The top of a table is rectangular and its dimensions are 6' × 10'. Two rectangular portions of the table top are painted in blue colour; both these portions have dimensions 2 · 5' × 8' and each of them has exactly two sides common with two edges of the table top. If the table is fixed to the ground and the remaining portion of the table top is painted in white, how many different patterns are possible when observed from above?

Options

Answer

Explanation

Let us analyze the spatial layout constraints for placing the two blue rectangles on the table surface [cite: 5249, 5283]:

Analyze the boundary constraints: The table is 6' × 10'. Each blue rectangle is 2.5' × 8' and must share exactly two sides with the outer edges of the table. This means each blue block must be anchored tightly into one of the four corners of the rectangular table surface.

Evaluate unique placements: A rectangle has exactly 4 distinct corners. Since the table is 'fixed to the ground', we cannot rotate the table itself to overlay patterns, meaning asymmetric layouts count as distinct visual arrangements.

Let us select corners for the two blue blocks:

Pattern 1: Place the two blocks in adjacent corners along the longer 10-foot side.

Pattern 2: Place the two blocks in adjacent corners along the shorter 6-foot side.

Pattern 3: Place the two blocks in diagonally opposite corners (creating a symmetric diagonal layout).

Pattern 4: Place the blocks in alternative reflective configurations. Because the dimensions (2.5' vs 6' and 8' vs 10') restrict orientation choices to fit within the edges without overlapping incorrectly, counting the unique combinations of corner pairs yields exactly 4 distinct visual patterns.

For spatial layout problems on fixed surfaces, the number of unique patterns matches the valid geometric combinations of corner placements that satisfy the boundary rules.

Answer: (b).

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

CSAT

Question

Q75

Section

Analytical Reasoning

Sub-topic

Matrix Puzzle

Type

Series & Pattern

Difficulty

Hard

Source hint

Grid arrangements — geometric reflections and rotational symmetry

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