Official explanation
1. Okawaru1
I feel like there are a lot of ways to solve this. Some patterns I noticed
1. column 3 is an inversion of column 2 (I don’t really like this answer as you just ignore a third of the grid)
2. the sum of circles within the top and bottom rows of the circle grid pattern is always 6 across both rows and columns of the square grid. Likely the intended answer and feels the most complete.
3. Across diagonals, besides the middle row in the circle grid patterns, one of the rows maintains a constant amount of circles, which gets flipped for the opposing diagonal, and the row which doesn’t remain constant will always have a different number of circles. Based on this logic the only valid answer available is C.
Why we selected this answer:
We selected Okawaru1’s answer because it doesn’t stop at the most obvious pattern. They identified three different ways to reach C and even questioned the weaker solution that ignores part of the grid. The second method is especially strong because it uses both the rows and columns, giving a rule that accounts for the entire puzzle.
⸻
2. LordTC
They made this far too easy by picking an example where the mirror image of the second column works.
All five middle dots are always present.
Top rule: Outside Two -> Middle Inside -> Three Middle Inside -> Outside Two
Bottom Rule: Outside Two -> Three Middle inside -> Middle Inside -> Outside Two
The third column is only the mirror image of the second column because the first column is symmetric and the rules are opposite.
Why we selected this answer:
We selected LordTC’s answer because it looks beyond the simple mirror explanation and asks why that shortcut works in the first place. By tracking the top and bottom dots separately, the answer reveals a deeper structure behind the grid and explains why the apparent mirror pattern may actually be a consequence of the underlying rule.
⸻
3. inmaginarycasey
The answer is C
When you add the quantity of dots for both a column and row you get 27, with the row/column that had the ? Added up to 19. Subtract 19 from 27 and you get 8 so the answer has to be a pattern with 8 dots
Why we selected this answer:
We selected inmaginarycasey’s answer because it approaches the puzzle numerically rather than relying on the shapes alone. Using the total of 27 and calculating that the missing cell must contain 8 dots provides a completely different route to C, showing that the puzzle can be solved through arithmetic as well as visual pattern recognition.
⸻
4. SomeoneLeo
Nice puzzle!
My solution: C
Reason: Actually a very nice puzzle where the 5 center dots always stay but row-wise AND column wise the top and bottom always have to have 1, 2, and 3 dots. So what is missing is one dot above and two dots below (both for the third column as well as the third row). The symmetry is kinda satisfying ^^.
Why we selected this answer:
We selected SomeoneLeo’s answer because it gives a simple rule that works in both directions. The five center dots remain fixed, while the top and bottom sections complete the 1, 2, and 3 pattern across both rows and columns. It is a concise explanation that accounts for the whole grid and leads directly to C.