DMAT Figure Sequences & 4x4 Figure Matrix Practice

The 4×4 Figure Matrix subtest evaluates high-speed visual-spatial reasoning and multi-variable pattern recognition. Candidates are presented with a sequence of 4 consecutive 4×4 grids (Stages 1 through 4) containing geometric symbols, arrows, or shaded polygons. Your task is to deduce the underlying deterministic progression rules and select the correct Stage 5 and Stage 6 grid pair. Unlike simple 3×3 matrix tasks found in standard IQ tests, dMAT 4×4 Figure Sequences combine multiple independent movement vectors, rotation rules, shape morphing, and color cycle states simultaneously. Developing a systematic decomposition method—rather than relying on intuitive scanning—is essential to consistently score within the 75-second time limit.

Every symbol in a dMAT figure matrix follows one or more of four core transformation classes: • Perimeter Rotation & Acceleration: Symbols move along the outer 12 cells of the 4×4 perimeter in clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. Movement may be constant (e.g. +2 cells per step) or accelerating (e.g. +1 cell on step 1, +2 on step 2, +3 on step 3). • Wall Reflection & Internal Bounce: When a symbol hits the grid boundary along a row or column vector, it reflects back in the opposite direction. Verify whether the boundary counts as a step or if the symbol reverses instantly upon reaching the outer border. • Orientation & Angular Rotation: Symbols rotate in 45°, 90°, or 180° increments. Rotations can be fixed relative to grid axes or coupled directly to movement direction (e.g., pointing toward the next target cell). • Multi-State Fill Cycles: Shading and colors cycle through deterministic state loops (e.g., White → Gray → Black → Crosshatched → White). Always track color cycles separately from spatial coordinates.

Worked Problem: A black arrow starts at cell (1,1) pointing Right. In Stage 1 it is at (1,1), Stage 2 at (1,3), Stage 3 at (1,4) pointing Down, and Stage 4 at (3,4) pointing Down. A shaded circle rotates clockwise around the perimeter by +3 cells each stage. Step 1: Isolate the Black Arrow Movement: • Stage 1 to 2: Moves 2 units right to (1,3). Arrow points Right. • Stage 2 to 3: Moves 1 unit right to (1,4) and turns 90° Down. • Stage 3 to 4: Moves 2 units down to (3,4). Arrow points Down. • Deduction: The arrow alternates steps of +2 and +1, turning 90° clockwise when hitting a corner. • Prediction for Stage 5: From (3,4), next step is +1 unit down to (4,4). Arrow reaches corner and turns Left. • Prediction for Stage 6: From (4,4), next step is +2 units left to (4,2) pointing Left. Step 2: Isolate the Perimeter Circle: • Perimeter has 12 cells. Moving +3 cells clockwise from top-left (1,1) places it at (1,4) in Stage 2, (4,4) in Stage 3, and (4,1) in Stage 4. • Prediction for Stage 5: Moves +3 cells along perimeter to (1,1). • Prediction for Stage 6: Moves +3 cells along perimeter to (1,4). Step 3: Option Elimination: • Check Stage 5: Circle MUST be at (1,1) and Arrow MUST be at (4,4) pointing Left. • Option A has Arrow pointing Down at (4,4) → REJECTED (failed orientation). • Option B has Arrow at (4,3) → REJECTED (failed displacement). • Option C matches both Stage 5 and Stage 6 predictions perfectly → CORRECT ANSWER.

• Never guess by overall visual "feel". Deconstruct one symbol at a time. • Check Stage 5 orientation first: Distractors frequently place the correct position with an incorrect 90° rotation. • Calculate Stage 6 immediately: Many wrong choices satisfy Stage 5 but break the acceleration or cycle rule by Stage 6. • Use scratch notation: Write coordinates (Row, Col, Angle, Color) for Stages 1–4 to immediately reveal arithmetic progressions.