Symmetry

  • Two triangles in a Square
    problem

    Two triangles in a square

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    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.
  • Sliced
    problem

    Sliced

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    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?
  • Pitchfork
    problem

    Pitchfork

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    Plot the graph of x^y = y^x in the first quadrant and explain its properties.
  • One Reflection Implies Another
    problem

    One reflection implies another

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star empty star
    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 was impossible, could you explain why ?
  • Cut Cube
    problem

    Cut cube

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    Find the shape and symmetries of the two pieces of this cut cube.
  • Eight Dominoes
    problem

    Eight dominoes

    Age
    7 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    Using the 8 dominoes make a square where each of the columns and rows adds up to 8
  • Encircling
    problem

    Encircling

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    An equilateral triangle is sitting on top of a square. What is the radius of the circle that circumscribes this shape?
  • Square pizza
    problem

    Square pizza

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    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?
  • Symmetric Trace
    problem

    Symmetric trace

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    Points off a rolling wheel make traces. What makes those traces have symmetry?
  • Rotations Are Not Single Round Here
    problem

    Rotations are not single round here

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
    filled star filled star filled star
    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 one centre of rotation ? Or if you thought that was impossible, could you say why ?