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rotational symmetry
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:28 pm
by hatsmum
Maths question - how do you determine if a shape has rotational symmetry ? Any help appreciated
Re: maths question
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 11:34 pm
by poppit
Do you remember those wooden puzzles your child did as a toddler which had various shapes with little pegs to hold them by and your child had to find out which hole the puzzle piece fitted in?
OK now picture the shape you are trying to work out the rotational symmetry for as one of those puzzle pieces. How many times could you rotate it and still fit it in the same hole? This tells you the order of rotational symmetry.
Hope this helps.
Re: maths question
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 12:05 am
by hatsmum
Thanks Poppit
Re: maths question
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:33 pm
by Guest55
That's not quite right ... it's more 'How many times will it fit if I rotate it 360 degrees ie one turn?'
Re: maths question
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:28 pm
by poppit
Thanks Guest55 that is what I was attempting to explain, but I didn't quite pick words.