Foundation and Higher · symmetry
Two kinds of
symmetry. Do not
mix them up.
fold it,
or turn it
a shape that matches itself —
Sym
metry
line
symmetry: fold it in half
rotational
symmetry: turn it round
card 1 of 6
Line of symmetry
A fold line. One half lands
exactly
on the other.
also called a mirror line
card 2 of 6
Count the lines
A rectangle has
2
. The diagonals are
not
lines of symmetry.
fold it in your head to check
card 3 of 6
Rotational symmetry
How many times a shape fits onto itself in
one full turn
.
that number is the order
card 4 of 6
Order of rotation
An equilateral triangle fits 3 times, so it has
order 3
.
no symmetry? order 1
card 5 of 6
Regular polygons
A regular hexagon:
6 lines
and
order 6
. Same as its number of sides.
n sides: n lines, order n
card 6 of 6
Complete the shape
Reflect each square to the
same distance
on the other side of the line.
count from the mirror line
symmetry —
Line symmetry
fold: the halves match
Rotational
turn: count the fits in 360°
Parallelogram
no lines, but order 2
Tracing paper is allowed.
Ask for it.
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