Start here · the first lesson of Missing number in figure/grid
Missing number in figure/grid
Mathematical Operations, Coded Inequalities, Missing Number · for IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT
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The idea
Numbers (or letters) are placed in a grid or a figure and one is missing. Every complete row, column or figure follows the same rule; find it and apply it to the incomplete one. JIPMAT asked these in 2022 (Q29, circle) and 2026 (Q13, triangles).
Textbook vs exam method
Textbook method
- Write down the complete rows/figures.
- Try simple rules in order: sum, difference, product, combinations ((a + b) × c, a × b − c), squares/square roots, multiplication round a circle.
- Keep the rule only if every complete row/figure fits it.
- Apply it to the incomplete one.
Exam method
- Perfect squares → square roots. 64, 36, 49 with 21 inside: 8 + 6 + 7.
- Circle → ratio of neighbours. 594, 198, 66: each is one-third of the previous.
- Grid → combine the first numbers to get the last. (9 + 6) × 4 = 60.
- Letters → positions. B(2) → E(5) → K(11): × 2 + 1.