Question

How many unique patterns are there in the image shown below?

Hint:

In visual pattern problems: \begin{itemize} \item Look beyond orientation—focus on structure, \item Count symmetry elements carefully, \item Systematically eliminate duplicates. \end{itemize}

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 18

Step 1: Carefully observe all the patterns shown in the image. Some patterns may appear similar at first glance but differ in the number of arms, symmetry, inner details, or connecting elements. \bigskip Step 2: Group the patterns based on their structural features such as: \begin{itemize} \item Number of radial arms, \item Presence or absence of inner circles, \item Shape of edges (pointed, rounded, looped), \item Additional nodes or decorative elements. \end{itemize} \bigskip Step 3: Eliminate repetitions by identifying patterns that are identical under rotation or reflection. Rotational symmetry does not create a new unique pattern. \bigskip Step 4: After comparing all figures and removing duplicates, the total number of structurally distinct (unique) patterns is found to be: \[ \boxed{18} \] \bigskip