This page covers SBI Clerk Paper Folding & Cutting with complete concept notes, 13 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.
Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Core Concept
When paper is folded and cut, the cuts create symmetric patterns when unfolded. Each fold creates a mirror effect. The number of holes depends on how many times the paper was folded
Key Rules
First, count the number of folds carefully. Each fold doubles the number of holes. One cut on a paper folded once = 2 holes. One cut on a paper folded twice = 4 holes.
Second, holes appear symmetrically around fold lines. Third, the position of holes mirrors across each fold line. Fourth, the shape of holes remains the same, only position changes.
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL typically asks 1-2 questions on this topic. Questions show 2-4 folding steps followed by cutting. You get 4 answer choices showing different unfolded patterns. The cuts are usually simple shapes - circles, triangles, or small squares.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
Use the 'Fold Count Formula' - Number of holes = 2^(number of folds) × number of cuts. For symmetry, imagine drawing lines where folds occurred. Holes must appear symmetrically on both sides of these imaginary lines.
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Count folds = 2 folds (vertical + horizontal)
2
Step 2
Count cuts = 1 cut (one circle)
3
Step 3
Apply formula = 2^2 × 1 = 4 holes
4
Step 4
Determine positions - Original cut was at top-right of folded paper. When unfolded, holes appear at all four corners (top-right, top-left, bottom-right, bottom-left) due to symmetry around both fold lines.
5
Step 5
Verify symmetry - Draw imaginary vertical and horizontal lines through center. Holes are symmetric around both lines.
Advanced Trick: For complex folding, trace the cut position backwards through each fold. Start from the final cut position and mirror it across each fold line in reverse order.
Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these
Students often forget to account for all folds or miscalculate symmetry. Remember that each fold creates a new axis of symmetry. Also, don't confuse the number of paper layers with the number of holes.
Focus on fold lines, not thickness.
Key Points to Remember
Each fold doubles the number of holes created by cuts
Holes appear symmetrically around all fold lines
Formula: Number of holes = 2^(folds) × number of cuts
Position of holes mirrors across each fold axis
Shape of cut remains same, only position multiplies
Count fold steps carefully before applying formula
Draw imaginary lines at fold positions to check symmetry
Work backwards from cut to unfold position step by step
Exam-Specific Tips
SSC CGL typically includes 1-2 paper folding questions per exam
Maximum folds shown in SSC questions is usually 3-4 folds
Most common cuts are circles, triangles, and small rectangles
Questions always provide exactly 4 answer options showing unfolded patterns
Each fold creates one axis of symmetry in the final pattern
Corner cuts are the most frequently tested cutting positions
Questions are worth 2 marks each in SSC CGL Tier-I
Time allocation should be maximum 1 minute per question
Practice MCQs
Paper Folding & Cutting — Practice Questions
13graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis
A rectangular paper is cut along a straight line from the midpoint of one long side to the midpoint of the opposite long side. Into how many pieces is the paper divided?
Practice 2easy
A rectangular paper is folded in half vertically, then folded in half horizontally. If you unfold it completely, how many rectangular sections will the crease lines divide the paper into?
Practice 3easy
A square paper has a small circle drawn in its centre. The paper is folded diagonally once so that one corner touches the opposite corner. After unfolding, how many circles will be visible on the paper?
Practice 4easy
A square piece of paper is folded once along its diagonal. How many layers of paper will be visible if you look at the folded paper from above?
Practice 5medium
A circular piece of paper is folded in half twice, with each fold creating a new crease. The folded shape is now a quarter-circle. A small triangular piece is cut from the folded quarter-circle at a position that is equidistant from all three edges of the quarter-circle. When the paper is completely unfolded, how many triangular pieces will be removed from the original circle?
Practice 6medium
A rectangular paper is folded in half lengthwise, then folded in half widthwise. Three corners of the resulting folded rectangle are punched with a hole. When the paper is completely unfolded, how many holes will be visible?
Practice 7medium
A square piece of paper is folded along its diagonal, then the resulting triangle is folded in half along its height (from the right angle to the hypotenuse). After unfolding completely, how many distinct regions are created on the original square?
Practice 8hard
A rectangular paper (12 cm × 8 cm) is folded by bringing the top-left corner to touch a point on the bottom edge, 3 cm from the bottom-left corner. The paper is then folded again by bringing the top-right corner to touch the same point on the bottom edge. After these two folds, a hole is punched at the point where the two fold creases intersect. How many holes appear when the paper is unfolded?
Practice 9hard
A square piece of paper is folded diagonally once, then the resulting triangle is folded in half along its altitude from the right angle. After unfolding completely, how many distinct regions are created on the original square?
Practice 10hard
A rectangular paper is folded in half lengthwise, then folded in half widthwise, then folded diagonally. Three holes are punched through all layers at specific points. When unfolded, how many holes appear if the three punches are made at: (1) the center of the folded rectangle, (2) a point on the top-left corner, and (3) a point on the edge between the center and top-right corner?
Practice 11hard
A square paper with a side length of 8 cm is folded such that one corner touches the midpoint of the opposite side. The paper is then folded again along the same principle from an adjacent corner. After two such folds, a single hole is punched at the center of the resulting shape. Upon unfolding, the holes form a pattern. How many holes appear, and what is their arrangement?
Practice 12hard
A circular piece of paper is folded in half three times, with each fold passing through the center. The folds are made at 0°, 60°, and 120° angles. After the three folds, two holes are punched: one at the center and one at a point 2 cm from the center along the 30° line. How many holes appear when the paper is completely unfolded?
Practice 13hard
A square sheet of paper is folded diagonally from top-left to bottom-right corner, creating a triangular shape. The folded triangle is then folded again along its altitude from the right angle to the hypotenuse. After these two folds, a small equilateral triangle is cut from the folded paper such that one vertex touches the folded edge (hypotenuse of the original triangle) and the cut removes a portion from all three layers. When the paper is completely unfolded, how many separate pieces result, and what is the total number of holes/cuts visible on the original square?
60-Second Revision — Paper Folding & Cutting
Remember: Each fold doubles the hole count from cuts
Formula: Holes = 2^(number of folds) × cuts made
Trick: Holes must be symmetric around all fold lines
Method: Count folds first, then apply symmetry rules
Trap: Don't confuse paper thickness with number of holes
Speed tip: Eliminate options that violate symmetry immediately