P shows the way a T-shirt is folded. Q shows the image of ink spilled over such a folded T-shirt. If the T shirt is unfolded and viewed from behind, which image most accurately represents the ink stain?
Show Hint
In folding problems, identify the axis of symmetry. Any pattern applied across a fold will be mirrored on the other side when unfolded. Remember to consider the final viewing perspective (front vs. back).
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a spatial reasoning puzzle that involves visualizing the process of unfolding and the transfer of a pattern through symmetry. The ink is spilled on the folded T-shirt, and we need to determine the appearance of the stain on the back of the completely unfolded shirt.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Fold: Figure P shows the T-shirt is folded vertically down the middle. This means the left half of the front is folded over the right half of the front.
The Stain: Figure Q shows the ink stain is applied to the top layer of the folded shirt (which is one half of the front). The ink will seep through all layers directly underneath it.
Unfolding: When the shirt is unfolded, the stain on the top layer will have created an identical stain on the layer beneath it. Because of the vertical fold, this will result in a pattern that is perfectly symmetrical about the center line of the T-shirt's front. The front would look like image A.
Viewing from Behind: The ink seeps through all layers. This means the symmetrical pattern from the front will also appear on the back of the T-shirt. When we view the shirt from behind, the pattern will be a mirror image of the front pattern. However, since the pattern itself is left-right symmetrical, its appearance will be the same from the back as it is from the front.
Evaluating Options:
A shows the unfolded front view.
B shows the unfolded back view. It correctly depicts a symmetrical pattern with two hearts and two splatters, which is what would be seen on the back.
C shows four hearts, which would imply an additional horizontal fold, which is not indicated.
D shows an asymmetrical pattern, which is incorrect due to the symmetrical nature of the vertical fold.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The image that most accurately represents the ink stain on the back of the unfolded T-shirt is (B).
