Analyzing the Figure Matrix Pattern

To find the missing figure, we need to identify the logical rule that relates the figures in each row. The pattern in this matrix is that the figure in the third column is a superposition of the figures in the first and second columns.

1. Verifying the Pattern in Row 1 and Row 2

• Row 1: If you take the two diagonal lines from the first cell and overlay them with the 'X' shape from the second cell, you get the grid-like pattern seen in the third cell.
• Row 2: If you take the horizontal propeller-like shapes from the first cell and overlay them with the vertical propeller-like shapes from the second cell, you get the figure-8 shape seen in the third cell.

The superposition rule holds for the first two rows.

2. Applying the Pattern to Row 3

We apply the same superposition rule to the third row to find the missing figure.

• Figure in Column 1: A shape with both vertical/horizontal and diagonal lines, where all 8 arrowheads point outwards.
• Figure in Column 2: A shape with both vertical/horizontal and diagonal lines, but only the 4 diagonal arrowheads are present, pointing outwards.

Superimposing the figures:

1. Lines: Combining all lines from both figures gives the basic shape of a cross (+) with a saltire (X).
2. Arrowheads: A special rule applies here.
   • The vertical and horizontal arrowheads exist only in the first figure, so they are carried over to the final figure, pointing outwards.
   • The diagonal arrowheads exist in both figures, both pointing outwards. The rule appears to be that when two identical arrowheads are superimposed, their direction is inverted. Therefore, the diagonal arrowheads in the final figure must point inwards.

Conclusion

The resulting figure is a cross with outward-pointing arrows and a saltire with inward-pointing arrows. This matches the figure shown in option (C).