11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning icon

NVR Study Notes

Shape Arithmetic

Union: Trace the Outer Outline

Union: Trace the Outer Outline

When two shapes are combined (union, +, OR), the result is the OUTER outline of the merged area.

Tip: Trace around the outside of both shapes — that's your answer.

Intersection: Just the Overlap

Intersection: Just the Overlap

When two shapes are intersected (AND), the result is JUST the overlapping region — the part both shapes share.

Tip: Ignore the parts that belong to only one shape.

Subtraction: Remove the Second Shape

Subtraction: Remove the Second Shape

When one shape is subtracted from another, the result is the first shape with the overlap removed.

Tip: The second shape acts like a cookie cutter — punch it out.

Watch the Order for Subtraction

Watch the Order for Subtraction

Subtraction is NOT symmetric: A minus B is different from B minus A.

Tip: Check carefully which shape is being subtracted from which.