Spatial Reasoning: Working Between Views

Methods in this video

Tap a time to jump to where the video teaches that method.

1. 1

   A new ring only where it gets wider

   ▶ 0:45

   When to use it: An object is stacked in layers. The question gives a side view and asks for the view from above, or gives rings or nested squares from above and asks for a side view.

   • Scan down from the top layer. You get a new ring only when a layer is wider than everything above it.
   • A narrower layer is covered by what is above it, so you can't see it from above.
   • A layer that sticks out past the one below makes two outlines cross. Count the crossings.
   • A disc looks like a rectangle from the side, so a ring doesn't have to be a ball.
2. 2

   Use the view that splits the options

   ▶ 3:19

   When to use it: The question gives two or three views at once (top, front, side) and asks which solid it is or how the blocks are arranged.

   • First find where the options differ. Don't just start with the first view.
   • A view that every option passes can't help, so skip it.
   • Go to the view that shows that difference and use it to cross options out.
   • Left, right, front and back still go by where the person is standing.