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Non-verbal reasoning: paper folding

Paper folding questions show a folded sheet with holes punched through it, then ask what the sheet looks like unfolded. Each hole is mirrored across each fold line.

What is tested

  • One and two fold problems
  • Where holes appear when unfolded
  • Reversing folds in order

Worked example

A square is folded in half and one hole is punched near the fold. When unfolded, how many holes are there?

  1. The hole goes through both layers.
  2. Unfolding mirrors it across the fold.
  3. So there are 2 holes.

Answer: 2 holes

Exam-day checklist

  • Unfold in reverse order.
  • Mirror each hole across the fold line.
  • Number of holes doubles with each fold.
  • Check that holes are the same distance from the fold.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to mirror the hole.
  • Unfolding in the wrong order.
  • Miscounting holes.

Try it yourself

1. The paper is folded twice and one hole is punched through all layers. How many holes when unfolded?

?
Show answer

4

Each fold doubles the layers: 2 × 2 = 4.

2. The square is folded once and a hole is punched 1 cm from the fold. When unfolded, how far from the fold is the second hole?

fold1 cm
Show answer

1 cm on the other side

Reflections keep the same distance from the fold.

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