Hello Math Explorer! Get ready for an exciting adventure.
Each topic has fun activities and games to help you learn. Complete all sections to learn well!
Math Adventure Complete! 🎉
What is Symmetry?
Understanding Symmetry
Symmetry is when one shape becomes exactly like another when you move it in some way: turn, flip, or slide.
Think of a butterfly - both sides look the same. That's symmetry!
Real-life examples: Human faces, leaves, snowflakes, buildings, and many everyday objects.
Line of Symmetry
The line that divides a shape into two identical halves is called the line of symmetry.
Shapes can have:
- No lines of symmetry (like the letter F)
- One line of symmetry (like the letter A)
- Multiple lines of symmetry (like a square has 4)
Vertical Symmetry (Standing Symmetry)
Vertical symmetry is when a shape is divided into two equal halves by a vertical line.
The left and right sides are mirror images of each other.
Vertical Symmetry
Triangle Example
Horizontal Symmetry
Horizontal symmetry is when a shape is divided into two equal halves by a horizontal line.
The top and bottom parts are mirror images of each other.
Horizontal Symmetry
Circle Example
More Types of Symmetry
Rotational Symmetry
A shape has rotational symmetry if it looks the same after some rotation (less than a full 360°).
The number of positions in which it looks exactly the same is called the order of rotational symmetry.
Example: A square has rotational symmetry of order 4 because it looks the same at every 90° rotation.
Reflection Symmetry
Reflection symmetry (also called mirror symmetry) is when one half is the mirror image of the other half.
The mirror line is the line of symmetry. This is what we've been exploring with vertical and horizontal symmetry!
Example: When you look in a mirror, your reflection shows reflection symmetry.
Slanting Symmetry
Slanting symmetry occurs when the line of symmetry is at an angle (neither vertical nor horizontal).
This creates diagonal mirror images.
Slanting Symmetry
Diamond Example
Infinite Symmetry
Some shapes have infinite lines of symmetry! Can you guess which ones?
A circle has infinite lines of symmetry because any line passing through its center divides it into two equal halves.
Circle with multiple symmetry lines
🎮 How to Play:
- 👀 Look at the TARGET letter (what transformation happened?)
- 🔄 Choose a transformation to apply to the original letter
- ✅ Click "Check Answer" to see if you're right!
Letter Symmetry Challenge
Identify the type of symmetry for each letter. Click on a letter, then select the correct symmetry type.
Mirror Reflection Challenge
Recreate the reflection of the pattern on the left by clicking on the grid cells on the right. The mirror line is vertical.
Symmetry Word Puzzle
Each word is made of letters with symmetry. Only half of each letter is visible. Can you guess the word?
How It Works
Vertical symmetry means the left and right sides are mirror images. We're showing only the left half of each letter.
Horizontal symmetry means the top and bottom are mirror images. We're showing only the bottom half of each letter.