Mirror Image and Water Image Notes for SSC Exams

In mirror image questions the figure is flipped left to right. In water image questions it is flipped top to bottom. SSC papers ask them with letters, numbers, words and especially clocks. This note gives all the rules and formulas.

Basic Rules

Letters and Numbers

• Letters that look the same in a mirror (vertical symmetry): A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y.
• Letters that look the same in water image (horizontal symmetry): B, C, D, E, H, I, K, O, X.
• In a word, mirror image reverses the order of letters as well as flipping each letter.
• In water image the order of letters stays the same, only each letter is flipped upside down.
• Numbers: 0, 1 and 8 look the same in mirror image. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 change shape.

Clock Images

If the result is more than 12, subtract 12. If it is negative, add 12. For exactly 12:00 the mirror image is 12:00 and for 6:00 it is 6:00.

Solved Example

The time on a clock is 10:10. Mirror image = 11:60 − 10:10 = 1:50. Water image = 6:00 − 10:10 = −4:10, add 12 hours to get 7:50.

Quick Tips

• For clock questions use the formula. Do not try to draw the hands.
• In mirror image of words, read the original from right to left and flip each letter.
• Remember that the mirror in the question can be on the left, right, top or bottom. Left and right give the same flip left-right.
• Eliminate options with the wrong letter shape first.

Quick Revision Points

• Mirror image flips left and right.
• Water image flips top and bottom.
• Mirror time = 11:60 minus the given time.
• Water time = 5:60 minus the given time.
• Symmetric letters in mirror: A H I M O T U V W X Y.
• Symmetric letters in water: B C D E H I K O X.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Mirror image of the time 4:20 is?
   Answer: 7:40
2. Water image of the time 2:30 is?
   Answer: 3:30
3. Mirror image of the time 8:15 is?
   Answer: 3:45
4. Water image of the time 10:10 is?
   Answer: 7:50
5. Mirror image of the word HOT is?
   Answer: TOH (all three letters are symmetric)
6. Water image of the word BED looks like?
   Answer: BED (all letters are symmetric about a horizontal line)
7. Mirror image of the number 1881 reads?
   Answer: 1881
8. Mirror image of the time 6:00 is?
   Answer: 6:00

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Reasoning notes page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mirror and water image?

Mirror image flips left-right and water image flips top-bottom.

What is the formula for mirror image of a clock?

11:60 minus the given time.

What is the formula for water image of a clock?

5:60 minus the given time, adding 12 hours if the result is negative.

Which letters stay the same in mirror image?

A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X and Y.

Which letters stay the same in water image?

B, C, D, E, H, I, K, O and X.

Does the order of letters change in water image?

No. Only each letter is flipped vertically.

Does the order change in mirror image?

Yes. The word reads in reverse order.

Which numbers look the same in a mirror?

0, 1 and 8.

Is it asked in SSC CGL?

Yes, in Tier 1 reasoning, mostly with clocks and words.

What is the fastest way to solve clock questions?

Use the formula and then confirm the answer by checking the options.