Unfolding shapes are commonly used in diagrammatic reasoning tests. This means looking down on the 3D shape to find its plan view.
For example, imagine we were standing directly above this shape that is on the floor. From this perspective you would see shape C, which is the correct answer.
The trick is to first count the sides and visualize what each side looks like flat and then how they all fit together. This will help you visualize how the shape looks.
Some people can do this much more easily than others, but if you find it difficult, practice and watch your results improve.
Example Question
What would this shape look like in its plan view?
Solution
When looking from above height doesn’t matter, so the simplest thing to do is work out the outline of the shape. Once you have this you can see that it must be A, which is a triangle with a kind of jagged edge.
Correct Answer: A