Visual Analogy Questions: How to Solve "A is to B as C is to ?"
Visual analogy questions appear in abstract reasoning tests and measure your ability to identify a transformation and apply it consistently. The format is: "Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ?" You must find the transformation that turns A into B, then apply that same transformation to C to get the answer. This article explains how to approach these questions and spot the rule quickly.
What Is a Visual Analogy?
A visual analogy is a relationship between two figures. When you see "A is to B," you're looking for the change that transforms A into B. That change might be:
- Rotation – The shape turns 90°, 180° or 270°
- Reflection – The shape flips horizontally or vertically
- Size change – The shape grows or shrinks
- Colour or shading – The shape changes from filled to outline, or from one colour to another
- Addition or subtraction – Elements are added or removed
- Position – Elements move within the figure
- Combination – Two or more of these apply at once
Once you identify the transformation from A to B, you apply it to C. The answer is the figure that results from applying that transformation to C.
Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Compare A and B – What changed? Look at A, then at B. List the differences: rotation, reflection, size, colour, number of elements, position.
Step 2: Identify the transformation – Describe the rule in words. "A rotates 90° clockwise to become B." Or "A is reflected horizontally to become B."
Step 3: Apply the rule to C – Take figure C and apply the same transformation. What does C become?
Step 4: Match the options – Look at the answer choices. Which one matches the result of applying the transformation to C?
Step 5: Verify – Double-check the transformation. Does it work for both A→B and C→answer? If not, you may have missed a second rule or misidentified the first.
Common Transformation Types
Rotation – A turns to become B. Apply the same rotation to C. Check the angle (90°, 180°) and direction (clockwise or anticlockwise).
Reflection – A flips to become B. Apply the same flip to C. Horizontal reflection is common; vertical reflection is also possible.
Size change – A shrinks or grows to become B. Apply the same size change to C. The answer may be smaller or larger than C.
Colour or shading – A changes from filled to outline, or from black to white. Apply the same change to C.
Addition or subtraction – A gains or loses an element to become B. Apply the same change to C. Add or remove the same type of element.
Combination – A might rotate and change colour. Apply both transformations to C. Work through each step.
Tips for Speed
Start with the obvious – Rotation and reflection are the most common. Check those first.
Use the options – If you're unsure, compare the options to C. Which one looks like C after a transformation? That can narrow down the rule.
Don't overcomplicate – The transformation is usually simple. If you're inventing a complex explanation, you may have missed a simpler one.
Practise with a timer – Analogy questions often allow 45–60 seconds. Get used to that pace.
Common Mistakes
Assuming the wrong transformation – A and B might be related in more than one way. Make sure the rule you choose works for both A→B and C→answer.
Ignoring part of the figure – If A has multiple elements, the transformation might apply to each. Don't focus on one element and ignore the rest.
Reversing the direction – If A→B is "rotate 90° clockwise," then C→answer is also "rotate 90° clockwise," not anticlockwise. Apply the same direction.
Choosing an option that looks like C – The answer is C transformed, not C itself. It should look different from C in a predictable way.
Practice with abstract reasoning questions and the abstract reasoning test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it's rotation or reflection?
Rotation turns the shape; reflection flips it like a mirror. A reflected L-shape faces the opposite way; a rotated one has turned. Trace a distinctive feature—if it's in a mirror position, it's reflection; if it's turned, it's rotation.
What if A and B have multiple transformations?
Work through each transformation. A might rotate 90° and change from filled to outline. Apply both to C. List the changes and apply them in order.
Can the analogy be "C is to ? as A is to B"?
Yes. Sometimes the order is reversed. The relationship is the same: find the transformation from A to B and apply it to C. The answer is still C transformed.