3D Form Development / Pattern Folding Questions - DAT Perceptual Ability

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Question

In this question, a flat pattern is presented. This pattern is to be folded into a three-dimensional figure. The correct figure is one of the four given as answer choices. There is only one correct figure in each set. The outside of the folded shape is what is seen as the flat pattern. Select the three-dimensional shape that the flat pattern produces when folded.

Dat pat pattern folding q1

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Answer

To figure out this question, one key detail is particularly important: the largest matching faces of the shape are not symmetrical. On the left side, they have three faces, and on the right side, they have only two. The two longer horizontal rectangles fold up into the height of the shape separating these two larger faces from one another, and the four remaining "flaps" fold down to create the heights of each of the angled faces.

Noticing the detail about the mismatched number of faces is enough information to allow you to solve this problem without picturing how the rest of the shape comes together through folding, as all of the answer choices result in a similar, prism-like shape.

Dat pat pattern folding q1 a2

This shape has two sides in the side facing the view, but it also has two sides on the opposite side of the shape, so it can't be correct. One of those sides would need to have three faces, not two, for the shape to be correct.

Dat pat pattern folding q1 a3

This shape is also incorrect. While the side nearest us has two faces, the opposing side only has one. Again, it would need three to be correct.

Dat pat pattern folding q1 a4

This shape is incorrect as well. The side facing us in this view has three faces, but so does the opposite side. It would need to have two for the shape to be correct.

Dat pat pattern folding q1 a1

This is the correct shape. The side facing us has two faces, and the side facing away from us has three faces. The faces are the same lengths as shown in the flat diagram.

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