Symmetry
What is symmetry?
- Symmetry can refer to:
- Line symmetry which deals with reflections and mirror images of shapes in both 2D and 3D
- Rotational symmetry which deals with how often a shape looks identical (congruent) when it has been rotated
The only time it looks the same is when you get back to the start
For the shape below, shade exactly 4 more squares so that the shape has rotational symmetry of order 4.
The shape below appears the same 4 times if rotated through 360 degrees
Consider the shape below.
There is 1 line of symmetry.
If you’re unsure in the exam, consider the properties of the 3D shape.
The diagram below shows a cuboid of length 8 cm, width 5 cm and height 11 cm.
Write down the number of planes of symmetry of this cuboid.
A plane of symmetry is where a shape can be "sliced" such that it is symmetrical.
A cuboid with three different pairs of opposite rectangles has 3 planes of symmetry.
3 planes of symmetry
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