article
Frieze patterns in cast iron
A gallery of beautiful photos of cast ironwork friezes in Australia with a mathematical discussion of the classification of frieze patterns.
Compound transformations
-
-
articleThe frieze tree
Patterns that repeat in a line are strangely interesting. How many types are there and how do you tell one type from another? -
articleThe use of mathematics in computer games
An account of how mathematics is used in computer games including geometry, vectors, transformations, 3D graphics, graph theory and simulations. -
articleGoing places with mathematicians
This article looks at the importance in mathematics of representing places and spaces mathematics. Many famous mathematicians have spent time working on problems that involve moving and mapping things. -
articleMaurits Cornelius Escher
Have you ever noticed how mathematical ideas are often used in patterns that we see all around us? This article describes the life of Escher who was a passionate believer that maths and art can be intertwined.
-
articleMathematical patchwork
Jenny Murray describes the mathematical processes behind making patchwork in this article for students. -
articleGrouping transformations
An introduction to groups using transformations, following on from the October 2006 Stage 3 problems. -
articlePaint rollers for frieze patterns
Proofs that there are only seven frieze patterns involve complicated group theory. The symmetries of a cylinder provide an easier approach.
-
problemSine problem
Age16 to 18Challenge level
In this 'mesh' of sine graphs, one of the graphs is the graph of the sine function. Find the equations of the other graphs to reproduce the pattern. -
problemScrewed-up
Age11 to 14Challenge level
A cylindrical helix is just a spiral on a cylinder, like an ordinary spring or the thread on a bolt. If I turn a left-handed helix over (top to bottom) does it become a right handed helix?