Consider the following figures 1, 2, 3 and 4:

In the figure from 1 to 4 above, two symbols are shown to change their position in a regular direction. Following the same sequence, which one of the following will appear at the fifth stage?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The sequence of figures displays a consistent movement pattern for two distinct symbols: a semicircle and a triangle, within a square grid.

The semicircle exhibits an anti-clockwise rotation. Its positions are observed as: Top-Left (Figure 1), Bottom-Left (Figure 2), Bottom-Right (Figure 3), Top-Right (Figure 4). Following this regular anti-clockwise movement of one position per stage, the semicircle in the fifth stage will occupy the Top-Left position.
The triangle follows a zigzag pattern. Its positions are observed as: Bottom-Left (Figure 1), Top-Left (Figure 2), Bottom-Right (Figure 3), Top-Right (Figure 4). This pattern involves alternating vertical and diagonal movements:
- From Figure 1 to Figure 2: Vertical upward movement (Bottom-Left to Top-Left).
- From Figure 2 to Figure 3: Diagonal movement (Top-Left to Bottom-Right).
- From Figure 3 to Figure 4: Vertical upward movement (Bottom-Right to Top-Right).
Following this sequence, the next movement (from Figure 4 to the fifth stage) will be a diagonal movement. Therefore, the triangle will move from Top-Right to Bottom-Left.

Combining these movements, the fifth stage will feature the semicircle in the Top-Left position and the triangle in the Bottom-Left position. This configuration corresponds to Option 1.

Incorrect Options

Options 2, 3, and 4 do not align with the established movement patterns for both symbols:

Option 2 shows the semicircle at Bottom-Left and the triangle at Top-Left. This contradicts the predicted positions based on the regular anti-clockwise rotation for the semicircle (which should be Top-Left) and the zigzag pattern for the triangle (which should be Bottom-Left).
Option 3 shows the semicircle at Bottom-Right and the triangle at Bottom-Right. These positions do not follow the sequential patterns derived for either symbol for the fifth stage.
Option 4 shows the semicircle at Top-Right and the triangle at Top-Right. The semicircle should have moved from Top-Right to Top-Left, and the triangle should have moved from Top-Right to Bottom-Left, making this option inconsistent with the established patterns.