Compound transformations

problem
Cutting corners

Age

7 to 11

Challenge level

Can you make the most extraordinary, the most amazing, the most unusual patterns/designs from these triangles which are made in a special way?
article
Paint 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.
article
Grouping transformations

An introduction to groups using transformations, following on from the October 2006 Stage 3 problems.
article
Mathematical patchwork

Jenny Murray describes the mathematical processes behind making patchwork in this article for students.
article
Maurits 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.
article
Going 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.
article
The 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.
article
The 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?
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.
game
Favourite

Transformation game

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

Why not challenge a friend to play this transformation game?