Symmetry

Front

What is symmetry?

Back

Symmetry is a property where a shape or object can be divided into parts that are arranged in a balanced and proportional manner. It can be reflected, rotated, or translated.

Front

What is rotational symmetry?

Back

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

Front

What is the smallest angle of rotation for a shape with rotational symmetry?

Back

The smallest angle of rotation is the angle at which the shape maps onto itself. For example, a regular pentagon has a smallest angle of rotation of 72°.

Front

How do you determine the number of lines of symmetry in a shape?

Back

To determine the number of lines of symmetry, you can fold the shape along different lines to see if both halves match perfectly.

Front

What is a line of symmetry?

Back

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

Front

How many lines of symmetry does a square have?

Back

A square has 4 lines of symmetry.

Front

How many lines of symmetry does a circle have?

Back

A circle has an infinite number of lines of symmetry.

Front

What is the relationship between the number of sides of a regular polygon and its lines of symmetry?

Back

A regular polygon has as many lines of symmetry as it has sides.

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

Can a shape have both rotational and reflective symmetry?

Back

Yes, a shape can have both types of symmetry. For example, a regular hexagon has both rotational and reflective symmetry.