Shape - May 2006, Stage 4&5

Problems

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A Roll of Patterned Paper

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

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

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One Reflection Implies Another

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

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. . . .

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Rotations Are Not Single Round Here

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

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. . . .

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Spokes

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Draw three equal line segments in a unit circle to divide the circle into four parts of equal area.

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Footprints

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:2 Challenge Level:2

Make a footprint pattern using only reflections.

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Gold Yet Again

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

Nick Lord says "This problem encapsulates for me the best features of the NRICH collection."

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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