What does the x plus 1 rule mean in dMAT Figure Sequences?

The x plus 1 rule tells you that a figure's rate of change is allowed to grow by one extra unit at every step of the series, rather than staying constant. If you assume a fixed step size throughout, you will get the last two matrices wrong even when you correctly spotted the direction of movement, rotation or colour cycling.

How the Step Size Grows Under x plus 1

How to Spot Whether x plus 1 Is Active

• Compare the gap between matrix 1 and matrix 2 with the gap between matrix 2 and matrix 3; if the second gap is exactly one unit larger, an accelerating rule is in play.
• Check movement, rotation and colour separately, since only one of the three properties may follow the x plus 1 pattern while the others stay constant.
• Never assume acceleration from a single transition alone; confirm it across at least two consecutive gaps before applying it to the final matrices.

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My Advice

Before finalising any Figure Sequences answer, explicitly ask yourself whether each property is constant or accelerating. This ten-second habit catches the exact trap the x plus 1 rule sets, and it is one of the highest-value checks you can build into your practice routine.