Different Types of Symmetry—Let's Practise!

Different Types of Symmetry—Let's Practise! exercise

• Select the correct definition.

  Hints

  This flower has reflective symmetry.

  Rotational symmetry has a central point.

  Solution

  Reflective Symmetry: one half of the object reflects the other, shown on the left.

  Rotational Symmetry: if the object is turned around a central point, it still looks the same, shown on the right.

• Does this picture have rotational symmetry?

  Hints

  This picture can be rotated around a central point and will still look the same.

  This star is an example of an image with rotational symmetry.

  Solution

  The picture of the sun has rotational symmetry. yes

  Since the sun can be rotated around the central point and always look the same, we know this is rotational symmetry.

• What form of symmetry do these shapes have?

  Hints

  Look at all of these shapes. Can they be rotated? Does one half reflect the other?

  If a shape has rotational symmetry it can be turned around a central point and will still look the same. Are all of these shapes able to do that?

  Can you find a line of symmetry on all of the shapes?

  Solution

  These shapes all show reflective symmetry, since one half of the object reflects the other half.

• Can you sort the objects into the type of symmetry shown?

  Hints

  Here is an example of rotational symmetry. Which two images above can be turned around a central point and still look the same?

  Here is an example of reflective symmetry. Which two images above can have a line of symmetry drawn through the middle?

  Solution

  Reflective symmetry

  • 1
  • 4

  Rotational symmetry

  • 2
  • 3

• Which symmetry does the picture show?

  Hints

  One half of the flower reflects the other half.

  The dotted line on the flower is the line of symmetry.

  Solution

  The picture of the flower has reflective symmetry, since one half of the object reflects the other half. The dotted line is the line of symmetry.

• Match the picture to the type of symmetry it shows.

  Hints

  Reflective symmetry is where one half of the object reflects the other half.

  Rotational symmetry is where an object can rotate in any direction and still have a central point of symmetry.

  Solution

  Since the picture of the butterfly shows one half of the object reflecting the other, this is an example of reflective symmetry.

  Since the picture of the kite shows one half of the object reflecting the other, this is an example of reflective symmetry.

  Since the hexagon can be rotated around the central point and not change, this is an example of rotational symmetry.