Complex Sequences

In the most challenging Type 2 questions, multiple features change simultaneously from one box to the next. One shape might rotate while another changes colour. An element might be added while an existing element moves position. These complex sequences require you to track two or three independent "channels" of change at once — a skill that separates high scorers from the rest.

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The Multi-Channel Approach

The key to solving complex sequences is to decompose the sequence into independent channels of change, analyse each channel separately, and then recombine them for the prediction.

Step 1: Identify All Elements

List every distinct element in the sequence. For example:

• A black arrow
• Two white circles
• One grey triangle

Step 2: Track Each Element Across All Boxes

For each element, note what changes:

• Arrow: rotates 90° CW each step
• Circles: one additional circle added each step
• Triangle: changes colour (grey → black → white → grey)

Step 3: Predict Each Element Independently

• Arrow: next rotation → points in the predicted direction
• Circles: next addition → one more circle
• Triangle: next colour → predicted colour