Symmetry

Front

What is symmetry?

Back

Symmetry is a property where a shape or object is identical on both sides of a dividing line or around a central point.

Front

What are the types of symmetry?

Back

The main types of symmetry are reflective symmetry, rotational symmetry, and translational symmetry.

Front

What is reflective symmetry?

Back

Reflective symmetry, also known as mirror symmetry, occurs when one half of an object is a mirror image of the other half.

Front

What is rotational symmetry?

Back

Rotational symmetry exists when an object can be rotated around a central point and still look the same at certain angles.

Front

What is translational symmetry?

Back

Translational symmetry occurs when an object can be moved (translated) along a certain direction and still appear the same.

Front

Can you give an example of reflective symmetry?

Back

A butterfly is a common example of reflective symmetry, as its left and right wings are mirror images of each other.

Front

Can you give an example of rotational symmetry?

Back

A starfish has rotational symmetry; it looks the same when rotated at certain angles (e.g., 72 degrees for a five-armed starfish).

Front

What is the line of symmetry?

Back

A line of symmetry is an imaginary line that divides a shape into two identical parts that are mirror images of each other.

Front

How do you determine the order of rotational symmetry?

Back

The order of rotational symmetry is determined by how many times an object can be rotated to look the same within a full 360-degree rotation.

Front

What is an axis of symmetry?

Back

An axis of symmetry is a line that divides a shape into two equal halves that are mirror images of each other.