Hidden Shapes
Find a simple shape hidden within a complex figure.
What is Hidden Shapes?
Hidden shape questions show you a simple shape (like a triangle or L-shape) and a complex figure made of many overlapping lines. You need to find the simple shape hiding within the complex figure.
The hidden shape will be the exact same size and orientation (not rotated or flipped). It is just camouflaged by the extra lines around it.
Step-by-Step Method
Study the target shape
Look carefully at the simple shape you need to find. Note its proportions, angles, and distinctive features.
Scan the complex figure
Look through the complex figure section by section. Do not try to take it all in at once.
Focus on key lines
Try to find one edge of the target shape first. Then trace the rest of the shape from that starting point.
Verify the match
Once you think you have found it, check that every edge of the target shape matches lines in the complex figure.
Worked Examples
Find a right-angled triangle within a complex figure containing many overlapping squares and triangles.
Working
- Look at the target triangle: it has a right angle, a short horizontal base, and a short vertical side.
- Scan the figure for right angles formed by intersecting lines.
- Found: two lines meet at a right angle in the bottom-left area, and a diagonal line connects their endpoints.
- Verify: all three sides match the target shape.
Find a small square hidden within a figure made of overlapping larger squares.
Working
- Look for four right angles forming a small square shape.
- Where larger squares overlap, their edges can form smaller square shapes.
- Found a small square where two large squares intersect in the centre.
Common Mistakes
Looking for a rotated or resized version of the target shape.
The hidden shape is the EXACT same size and orientation as the target. Do not look for rotated versions unless the question says otherwise.
Trying to see the whole complex figure at once and getting overwhelmed.
Break the figure into sections and search each section systematically.
Top Tips
- Start by finding one distinctive edge or corner of the target shape.
- Trace the edges of the target shape with your finger on the screen or page.
- Cover parts of the complex figure with your hand to reduce visual clutter.
- The hidden shape is always the same size and same way up as the target shown.
- Practise with simple figures first, then work up to more complex ones.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions