Q.7 A jigsaw puzzle has 2 pieces. One of the pieces is shown above. Which one
of the given options for the missing piece when assembled will form a
rectangle? The piece can be moved, rotated or flipped to assemble with the
above piece.
Solve Jigsaw Puzzle: Which Piece Forms Rectangle with Given Piece?
This spatial reasoning puzzle from competitive exams like GATE requires identifying the missing jigsaw piece (options A-D) that fits the shown piece—via rotation or flipping—to form a complete rectangle.
Method to Solve
Visualize the full rectangle by outlining the given piece’s outer boundary, then identify the “cut-out” gap it leaves. The correct option must match this gap exactly when rotated or flipped, ensuring no overlaps or gaps. Test each by mentally assembling; the fit confirms a seamless rectangle .
Option Analysis
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Option (A): Shape has mismatched protrusions; rotating or flipping leaves jagged edges or overhangs on the left side, failing rectangle formation.
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Option (B): Correct fit—after 90° clockwise rotation and flip, its contours precisely interlock with the given piece’s indents, forming smooth rectangle borders.
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Option (C): Angles align partially but lengths differ; assembly creates a bulge or void in the center, distorting the rectangle.
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Option (D): Symmetric but inverse orientation; even after flips, it overlaps corners instead of filling the exact negative space.
Answer: Option (B).
Jigsaw puzzle 2 pieces rectangle questions test spatial visualization in GATE, CSIR NET, and aptitude exams. The given irregular piece must pair with one option (A-D), allowing rotation or flipping, to assemble a perfect rectangle.
Why Spatial Puzzles Matter
These assess mental rotation skills vital for engineering and life sciences entrance tests. Practice by tracing the given piece’s outline on paper to reveal the missing shape.
Step-by-Step Solution Guide
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Sketch a rectangle enclosing the given piece snugly.
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Shade the unfilled gap—this is the target shape.
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Test options: Rotate/flip until edges match perfectly.
Option B succeeds by mirroring the gap after transformation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring flips: Many options fit only after mirroring.
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Overlooking scale: Protrusions must align in length and angle.
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Rushing visuals: Slow mental trials prevent errors.
For CSIR NET aspirants, such jigsaw puzzle 2 pieces rectangle problems sharpen problem-solving for molecular modeling or biotech visuals. Practice similar GATE sets for mastery.
