Addition and Subtraction Sequences

Addition and subtraction sequences involve the number of elements changing from one box to the next. In an addition sequence, new shapes appear with each step. In a subtraction sequence, shapes disappear. In more complex patterns, both can happen simultaneously — or an element is added while another is removed (replacement).

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Addition Sequences

Simple Addition: One Element Per Step

Sequence:

• Box 1: One black circle
• Box 2: Two black circles
• Box 3: Three black circles
• Box 4: Four black circles

Next: Five black circles.

What to check: Are the new elements identical to the existing ones, or different?

Addition with Position Pattern

Often, the new elements are not just added randomly — they appear in specific positions.

Sequence:

• Box 1: One triangle in the top-left corner
• Box 2: One triangle in the top-left, one triangle in the top-right
• Box 3: One triangle in the top-left, one triangle in the top-right, one triangle in the bottom-right
• Box 4: One triangle in the top-left, one triangle in the top-right, one triangle in the bottom-right, one triangle in the bottom-left