Paper Folding and Cutting Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
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PDF Notes: Paper Folding and Cutting Notes for SSC Exams
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In paper folding and cutting questions, a paper is folded one or more times, a hole or a shape is cut from it, and you have to say how the paper looks when it is opened again. The rules are simple, and once you know them these questions become scoring. These paper folding and cutting notes for SSC explain the unfolding rules, the number of holes and solved examples.
Basic Rule
When a paper is unfolded, every cut or hole is repeated as a mirror image on the other side of each fold line. Unfold the paper in the reverse order: the last fold is opened first.
Number of Holes
| Situation | Number of holes after unfolding |
|---|---|
| Folded once, one hole away from the fold | 2 |
| Folded twice, one hole away from both folds | 4 |
| Folded three times, one hole away from all folds | 8 |
| Folded n times, one hole away from all folds | 2 to the power n |
| Folded once, hole cut on the fold line | 1 (one full shape) |
| Folded twice, hole touching one fold line only | 2 |
| Folded twice, hole touching both fold lines at the corner | 1 |
Shapes Cut on the Fold
| Cut on the fold | Shape after unfolding |
|---|---|
| Semicircle with the straight side on the fold | Full circle |
| Triangle with its base on the fold | Rhombus (a square if the apex angle is 90 degrees) |
| Rectangle half with one side on the fold | Larger rectangle |
| Quarter circle at the corner where two folds meet | Full circle at the centre |
Solved Examples
Example 1. A paper is folded once and a circular hole is punched away from the fold. How many holes will there be when it is opened?
The hole appears on both sides of the fold, so there are 2 holes.
Example 2. A paper is folded twice and one hole is punched away from the folds. How many holes will be there?
2 × 2 = 4 holes.
Example 3. A paper is folded once and a semicircle is cut with its straight side on the fold. What is the shape when it is opened?
The two halves join to make a full circle.
Example 4. A paper is folded in half twice and a small quarter circle is cut at the corner where the two folds meet. What is the shape when it is opened?
The four quarters join around the centre, making a full circle at the centre.
Steps to Solve
- Note the number of folds and their directions.
- Note the position of the cut: on a fold line, at a corner or away from the folds.
- Unfold step by step, starting from the last fold.
- At each fold, draw the mirror image of the cut across the fold line.
- Compare the final picture with the options.
Common Mistakes
- Unfolding in the wrong order.
- Forgetting that a cut on a fold line joins into one bigger shape.
- Placing the mirror image on the same side of the fold.
- Not checking the distance of the hole from the fold line.
Quick Tips
- Unfold in the reverse order of folding.
- The image of a hole is at the same distance on the other side of the fold line.
- A hole away from the folds doubles with every fold.
- A cut on a fold line joins into one shape.
Quick Revision Points
- Unfold the last fold first.
- Each fold makes a mirror image across the fold line.
- Holes = 2 to the power n for n folds when the hole is away from the folds.
- Semicircle on the fold gives a full circle.
- Quarter circle at the corner of two folds gives a full circle at the centre.
Practice Questions With Answers
- A paper is folded once and one hole is punched away from the fold. How many holes appear after unfolding?
Answer: 2 - A paper is folded twice and one hole is punched away from the folds. How many holes appear?
Answer: 4 - A paper is folded three times and one hole is punched away from the folds. How many holes appear?
Answer: 8 - A semicircle is cut with its straight side on the fold of a paper folded once. What shape is formed?
Answer: Full circle - A paper is folded twice and a quarter circle is cut at the corner where both folds meet. What shape is formed?
Answer: Full circle at the centre - A paper is folded twice and the hole touches only one fold line. How many holes appear?
Answer: 2 - In which order is a folded paper unfolded?
Answer: In the reverse order, with the last fold opened first - A triangle with its base on the fold is cut. What shape appears after unfolding?
Answer: Rhombus - A paper is folded once vertically and a hole is made on the right side. On which side does the second hole appear?
Answer: On the left side, at the same distance from the fold - A paper is folded once and a circle is cut with its centre on the fold. How many holes appear?
Answer: 1 (one full circle)
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise figure questions daily on paper, because you must see the figures to learn them. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Non Verbal Reasoning notes page, and also read the Reasoning notes and Verbal Reasoning notes. Read the previous topic, Counting of Figures, and the next topic, Embedded Figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paper folding and cutting?
It is a reasoning question in which a folded paper is cut or punched and you find how it looks when opened.
In which order should I unfold the paper?
Unfold in the reverse order of folding, with the last fold opened first.
How many holes appear after one fold?
Two holes, if the hole is away from the fold line.
How many holes appear after two folds?
Four holes, if the hole is away from both fold lines.
What happens if a hole is on the fold line?
It joins with its mirror image to make one bigger shape.
What shape does a semicircle on the fold make?
A full circle.
Where does the mirror image of a hole appear?
On the other side of the fold line, at the same distance.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Yes. Paper folding and cutting is a regular non verbal reasoning topic in SSC exams.
How much time should I take for one question?
About 40 seconds.
What are common mistakes?
Wrong order of unfolding and placing the image on the wrong side.
Can I practise this without a book?
Yes. Fold a real sheet of paper, cut a small shape and open it to see the result.
How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?
Usually one question, but the number changes from year to year.
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Counting of Figures Notes for SSC Exams
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Embedded Figures Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.