In visual sequence problems, isolate a single element and track its transformation (rotation, translation, reflection, size change) through the sequence. This is much easier than trying to process the entire complex image at once.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question presents a sequence of five images, with the second image missing (represented by a question mark). We need to identify the pattern in the sequence to determine which of the options correctly fills the missing spot. Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The pattern is based on the rotation of the small triangles at the points of the star. We need to observe the direction and angle of rotation of these triangles from one image to the next. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the sequence provided, focusing on the five small triangles that make up each point of the star.
- Image 1 (First image): The small triangles are pointing in a specific initial direction. Let's consider their orientation as the starting point.
- Image 3 (Image after the question mark): Let's compare this to Image 1. The small triangles appear to have rotated clockwise.
- Image 4 and Image 5: Continuing the sequence, we see a consistent, step-by-step clockwise rotation of the small triangles at each position. The entire pattern rotates clockwise by a small increment in each step.
Let's assume the rotation is a consistent 45 degrees clockwise for each step.
- From Image 1 to Image 2 (the missing image), the triangles should rotate 45 degrees clockwise.
- From Image 2 to Image 3, another 45-degree clockwise rotation should occur.
Now let's examine the options:
- Option A: This image shows a rotation that is too large or in the wrong direction compared to what is expected between Image 1 and Image 3.
- Option B: This image shows an anticlockwise rotation from Image 1, which contradicts the overall clockwise trend of the sequence.
- Option C: This image shows a perfect 45-degree (approximately) clockwise rotation of the triangles from Image 1. If we then rotate Image C by another 45 degrees clockwise, we get Image 3. This fits the sequence perfectly.
- Option D: This rotation is too far along in the sequence, likely representing a later step. Step 4: Final Answer:
The logical pattern is a sequential clockwise rotation. Image C is the correct intermediate step between the first image and the third image. Therefore, it replaces the question mark.
