How do I reduce edge loops without weird geometry? I'm trying to understand/learn modeling and I'm having problems reducing the number of edge loops I have without super weird geometry or awful triangles.

Here's a picture of what I'm trying to achieve (but without the weird geometry).



What's the best way to approach this problem?
First off there is no way to reduce 3 inner edges to 0 without adding a loop cut somewhere, or using triangles or Ngons.

You can reduce three inner edges down to one inner edge using only quads.


However you can reduce four inner edges down to zero.