Making Maths: Equilateral Triangle Folding

Stage: 2 and 3 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Here's an easy way to fold any rectangle of paper into a triangle with three sides the same length.

  1. Fold the paper in half long-ways, then open it out flat.
    Step 1

  2. Fold a bottom corner up to touch the fold line, making a sharp point on the other corner.
    Step 2

  3. Now fold the two RED edges together.
    Step 3

  4. Fold under the corner and then tuck it in out of the way. Turn over to the smooth side.
    Step 4

  5. Now why not make some more from coloured paper and create some designs.

Example of a designAnother example of a design

This activity features in our December 2008 Advent Calendar.



The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.