In matrix puzzles with multiple moving elements, it is often easiest to analyze the pattern for each element separately. Look for simple movements like rotation (clockwise/counter-clockwise), translation, or reflection.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a matrix reasoning problem. We need to identify the logical rules that govern the changes in the pattern across the rows and down the columns of the 3x3 grid to determine the contents of the missing cell.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The grid contains two elements: a blue square and a yellow square, each moving within a 2x2 sub-grid in each cell. Let's analyze the movement of each color separately. We can label the positions in the sub-grid as 1 (top-left), 2 (top-right), 3 (bottom-right), 4 (bottom-left). Rule for the Blue Square (Row-wise):
Row 1: Position 1 \(\rightarrow\) Position 2 \(\rightarrow\) Position 3. This is a clockwise movement.
Row 2: Position 4 \(\rightarrow\) Position 1 \(\rightarrow\) Position 2. This is also a clockwise movement.
Row 3: Position 3 \(\rightarrow\) Position 4 \(\rightarrow\) ?. Following the clockwise pattern, the next position should be Position 1 (top-left).
Rule for the Yellow Square (Row-wise):
Row 1: Position 2 \(\rightarrow\) Position 1 \(\rightarrow\) Position 4. This is a counter-clockwise movement.
Row 2: Position 3 \(\rightarrow\) Position 2 \(\rightarrow\) Position 1. This is also a counter-clockwise movement.
Row 3: Position 4 \(\rightarrow\) Position 3 \(\rightarrow\) ?. Following the counter-clockwise pattern, the next position should be Position 2 (top-right).
Combining the results, the missing cell must have a blue square in the top-left and a yellow square in the top-right.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The required configuration (blue at top-left, yellow at top-right) matches option A. We can verify this logic using the columns as well, and it will hold true.
