Official explanation
Community Solutions
Our community found several different ways to solve this puzzle. Here are three of the most interesting and well-explained approaches.
u/Mactucrus87_
Answer: A
In each row, the figures on the left and right combine to form the figure in the middle. In the third row, the middle cell contains a dot and a horizontal oval. Since the left cell already contains the dot, the missing right cell must contain the horizontal oval: A.
The same logic also works vertically, with the top and bottom figures combining to form the middle figure.
Why we selected this answer:
This solution identifies a clear rule and verifies it in two independent directions. The same combination principle works both horizontally and vertically, making it a strong and consistent explanation for why the answer is A.
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u/tectajl
Answer: A
There are four basic objects in the four corners. The cells between them represent combinations of those objects, while the center contains all four. The matrix can therefore be viewed somewhat like a Venn diagram. Following this structure, the missing figure is the horizontal oval: A.
Why we selected this answer:
This solution stands out because it looks at the entire matrix as one interconnected structure rather than considering only individual rows or columns. The Venn-diagram-like interpretation provides an elegant visual way to understand why A completes the pattern.
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u/EmpactWB
Answer: A
Number the cells from 1 to 9. Cells 1, 2, 4 and 5 share the vertical oval. Cells 2, 3, 5 and 6 share the square. Cells 4, 5, 7 and 8 share the dot. Following the same pattern, cells 5, 6, 8 and 9 should share the horizontal oval. Therefore, cell 9 must contain a horizontal oval: A.
Why we selected this answer:
This is a particularly systematic solution. By tracking each component across overlapping 2×2 sections, it reveals a consistent structure throughout the matrix. Extending that structure to the final group shows that the missing cell must contain the horizontal oval, leading directly to A.