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Sketch the graph of $xy(x^2 - y^2) = x^2 + y^2$ consisting of four curves and a single point at the origin. Convert to polar form. Describe the symmetries of the graph.
Plot the graph of x^y = y^x in the first quadrant and explain its properties.
Sketch the members of the family of graphs given by y = a^3/(x^2+a^2) for a=1, 2 and 3.
Investigate the family of graphs given by the equation x^3+y^3=3axy for different values of the constant a.
Sketch the graphs for this implicitly defined family of functions.
Can all but one square of an 8 by 8 Chessboard be covered by Trominoes?
I noticed this about streamers that have rotation symmetry : if there was one centre of rotation there always seems to be a second centre that also worked. Can you find a design that has only. . . .
Points off a rolling wheel make traces. What makes those traces have symmetry?
An article for students and teachers on symmetry and square dancing. What do the symmetries of the square have to do with a dos-e-dos or a swing? Find out more?
Proofs that there are only seven frieze patterns involve complicated group theory. The symmetries of a cylinder provide an easier approach.
Join some regular octahedra, face touching face and one vertex of each meeting at a point. How many octahedra can you fit around this point?
Given that ABCD is a square, M is the mid point of AD and CP is perpendicular to MB with P on MB, prove DP = DC.
Find the shape and symmetries of the two pieces of this cut cube.
A and B are two points on a circle centre O. Tangents at A and B cut at C. CO cuts the circle at D. What is the relationship between areas of ADBO, ABO and ACBO?
Can you devise a fair scoring system when dice land edge-up or corner-up?
Can you show that you can share a square pizza equally between two people by cutting it four times using vertical, horizontal and diagonal cuts through any point inside the square?
This resources contains a series of interactivities designed to support work on transformations at Key Stage 4.
An irregular tetrahedron has two opposite sides the same length a and the line joining their midpoints is perpendicular to these two edges and is of length b. What is the volume of the tetrahedron?
The ten arcs forming the edges of the "holly leaf" are all arcs of circles of radius 1 cm. Find the length of the perimeter of the holly leaf and the area of its surface.
Scheduling games is a little more challenging than one might desire. Here are some tournament formats that sport schedulers use.
What groups of transformations map a regular pentagon to itself?
A gallery of beautiful photos of cast ironwork friezes in Australia with a mathematical discussion of the classification of frieze patterns.
When a strip has vertical symmetry there always seems to be a second place where a mirror line could go. Perhaps you can find a design that has only one mirror line across it. Or, if you thought that. . . .
Plex lets you specify a mapping between points and their images. Then you can draw and see the transformed image.
Ten squares form regular rings either with adjacent or opposite vertices touching. Calculate the inner and outer radii of the rings that surround the squares.
Charlie likes tablecloths that use as many colours as possible, but insists that his tablecloths have some symmetry. Can you work out how many colours he needs for different tablecloth designs?
A design is repeated endlessly along a line - rather like a stream of paper coming off a roll. Make a strip that matches itself after rotation, or after reflection
The twelve edge totals of a standard six-sided die are distributed symmetrically. Will the same symmetry emerge with a dodecahedral die?
Consider a watch face which has identical hands and identical marks for the hours. It is opposite to a mirror. When is the time as read direct and in the mirror exactly the same between 6 and 7?
Create a symmetrical fabric design based on a flower motif - and realise it in Logo.
An equilateral triangle is sitting on top of a square. What is the radius of the circle that circumscribes this shape?
Toni Beardon has chosen this article introducing a rich area for practical exploration and discovery in 3D geometry
Investigations and activities for you to enjoy on pattern in nature.
Patterns that repeat in a line are strangely interesting. How many types are there and how do you tell one type from another?
An environment for exploring the properties of small groups.