Select the option figure that should take the place of the question mark in the matrix.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) →
Every row and every column has one circle, one hexagon and one diamond, and each of the marks inside (dot, plus sign and small circle) also appears once in every row and every column. Row 3 still needs a hexagon and a plus sign, so the missing figure is a hexagon with a plus sign inside.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) — Incorrect. Column 1 already has a circle, so the gap cannot have one.
Option (2) — Incorrect. Column 1 already has a diamond, so the gap cannot have one.
Option (3) — Incorrect. Both the shape and the mark are already used in this row and column.