What this pattern means
Single-axis reflection: each cell mirrors its content across a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal axis. Whole-grid reflection: the entire 3×3 mirrors itself across an axis, with column 0 and column 2 (or row 0 and row 2) being reflections of each other.
How to spot it
- Visible cells appear in mirror pairs across a single axis.
- Reading the grid from left to right and from right to left produces matching shapes.
- For whole-grid symmetry, column 0 and column 2 (or row 0 and row 2) mirror each other.
Common visual signals
- Asymmetric shapes that flip orientation across an axis.
- Anti-diagonal or main-diagonal cells that share a stable identity while off-diagonal pairs reflect.
- A 'mirror line' that visibly cuts the grid into matching halves.
Step-by-step solving tactic
- 1Identify whether the symmetry is per-cell or whole-grid.
- 2Find the axis of reflection (vertical, horizontal, main diagonal, anti-diagonal).
- 3For whole-grid symmetry, derive the missing cell as the mirror image of its counterpart.
- 4For per-cell symmetry, the rule is on a row or column attribute that flips between adjacent cells.
Common traps
- Confusing reflection with rotation — both can produce similar visuals at 180°.
- Missing the second rule when reflection combines with scale or colour.
- Choosing the wrong axis when multiple axes could partly explain the grid.
Related patterns
Apply this pattern under timed conditions
Take the free 10-question matrix reasoning practice test — every question carries the reflection symmetry pattern or another commonly tested mechanic.