Spatial Relations Acuity – Folding – Tutorial
Example Questions – Type 1
When the two longest sides touch what will the shape be?
First really look. The given shape has two elements that are distinctive: it is tapered (1) and has a notch at the bottom, which is the widest (2). If this shape is folded, the resulting shape will also be tapered. So, Choice A can be eliminated right away.
Looking at the notch, which is in the widest part, we can see that choice B, which has the notch at the narrowest part, is incorrect
That leaves choices C and D. Looking at choice C, the shape comes to a sharp point. This is impossible with the given shape so choice C can be eliminated.
Choice D is left. Checking quickly, it is tapered, to flat top and the notch is at the bottom, widest part. Choice D is correct.
Another example:
When folded, what pattern is possible?
The key here is which sides will be next to each other and which corners will touch. The given figure has one, two and three dots in separate squares that folded, will make a cube with open ends.
Notice that the three dots go from corner to corner, the one dot is in the center, and the two does are up and down in the middle.
Choices B and D can be eliminated, since the three dots are not corner to corner.
That leaves choices A and C. Looking at choice A, the one dot is in the corner, not in the center so choice a can be eliminated.
A more complex example – Type 2
With this type of more complex folding question, look at which sides will be next to each other when folded, and the orientation relative to each other.
A six-sided flat shape will create a cube. This is hard to visualize so keep track of the relations between sides by numbering as below.
Now, it is easy to visualize adjacent sides
1 and 3
2 and 5
4 and 6
Look at the choices, and orientation of the symbols. Square 6 will never be in position with the wide edge to the white circle, so choice B can be eliminated. Similarly, the white circle can never be in the position relative to the upward and downward lines in choice C. Similarly, with choice A, the dark circle will not be in the position shown, leaving choice D. Choice D has the dark circle positioned at the bottom or thick end of the two triangles, and the white circle at the side.
Another example
Look at the given shape and number the squares in your heard. Note the orientation relative to what will be an adjacent square when folded into a cube.
Choice A can be eliminated as the N and H are oriented incorrectly. Choice B can be eliminated as the O and K are oriented incorrectly. Choice C looks correct.
Check choice D. Choice D can be eliminated as the N and E are oriented incorrectly.
