2D shapes and their properties

There are 152 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to 2D shapes and their properties
Oh so Circular
problem

Oh so circular

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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The diagram shows two circles and four equal semi-circular arcs. The area of the inner shaded circle is 1. What is the area of the outer circle?
Ball Bearings
problem

Ball bearings

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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If a is the radius of the axle, b the radius of each ball-bearing, and c the radius of the hub, why does the number of ball bearings n determine the ratio c/a? Find a formula for c/a in terms of n.
Roaming Rhombus
problem

Roaming rhombus

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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We have four rods of equal lengths hinged at their endpoints to form a rhombus ABCD. Keeping AB fixed we allow CD to take all possible positions in the plane. What is the locus (or path) of the point D?
Semi-Square
problem

Semi-square

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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What is the ratio of the area of a square inscribed in a semicircle to the area of the square inscribed in the entire circle?
Shapely Tiling
problem

Shapely tiling

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
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Use the interactivity to make this Islamic star and cross design. Can you produce a tessellation of regular octagons with two different types of triangle?
Sticky Tape
problem

Sticky tape

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Work out the radius of a roll of adhesive tape.
Angle to Chord
problem

Angle to chord

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Weekly Problem 23 - 2008
A triangle has been drawn inside this circle. Can you find the length of the chord it forms?
Polycircles
problem

Polycircles

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Show that for any triangle it is always possible to construct 3 touching circles with centres at the vertices. Is it possible to construct touching circles centred at the vertices of any polygon?

Circle Packing
problem

Circle packing

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Equal circles can be arranged so that each circle touches four or six others. What percentage of the plane is covered by circles in each packing pattern? ...
Squaring the circle
problem

Squaring the circle

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Bluey-green, white and transparent squares with a few odd bits of shapes around the perimeter. But, how many squares are there of each type in the complete circle? Study the picture and make an estimate.