MTE3103 Geometry

Topic 2 Plane Symmetries and Transformations

2.1 Synopsis

This topic is an extension of the Topic 1, Plane Tessellation. In producing tessellation, we

should know how the tessellations were formed. Starting by a given motif, the entire pattern can
be made up by using transformations which retain the shape and size of the original motif but
move to the new positions in the plane. In this topic, only two sub-topics will be discussed, i.e.
isometry of the plane (rotation, reflection, translation and glide reflection) and finite symmetries
groups and seven frieze patterns. Plane symmetries will be discussed during lecture session.

2.2 Learning Outcomes

1. Enhance your knowledge in plane symmetries and transformations.

2. Understand the formation of seven frieze patterns.

2.3 Conceptual Framework

Plane Symmetries
and
Transformations

Isometry of the Finite Symmetries

Plane Plane Symmetry Groups and Seven
Frieze Patterns

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2.4 Isometry of the Plane

Isometry is a transformation which retain the shape and size of the original motif. Isometries
came from the Greek words isos (equal) and metron (measure). There are only four isometries
of the plane, i.e. translations, reflections, rotations and glide reflections.

2.4.1 Translation

Translation is a transformation which slide everything to a fixed distance in a fixed

direction. So, we need to specify its direction and distance which each points move. A
simple translation shown in figure 2.4 (1):

Figure 2.4 (1) : Translation

(i) image
Object

(ii)

Figure 2.4 (2) : A translation which

can be found in nature:  This
photograph shows a microscopic
view of the scales of a butterfly.

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(iii)

Figure 2.4 (3) : When you are sliding

down a water slide, you are
experiencing a translation.  Your
body is moving a given distance (the
length of the slide) in a given
direction.  You do not change your
size and shape.

2.4.2 Reflection

Reflection is a transformation which is basically a 'flip' of a shape over the line of

reflection. The object and the image have the same size and shape, but in the image
face in opposite direction. Reflection has infinitely many invariant point (points which
remain unchanged under the application of the isometry). Besides, the distance from a
point to the line of reflection is the same as the distance from the point's image to the
line of reflection. In other word, the line of reflection is place in the middle of the object
and image.

(i)

Figure 2.4 (4)

Object Image
Line of reflection

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(ii) Figure 2.4 (5)

Why the word ‘AMBULANCE’ is put in such a way as shown in figure 2.4 (5) ?

2.4.3 Rotation

A rotation is a transformation that turns a figure about a fixed point called the center of
rotation.  An object and its rotation are the same shape and size, but the figures may be
turned in different directions.

Figure 2.4 (6): When you are riding on a

Ferris wheel, you are experiencing a
rotation.

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2.4.4 Glide Reflection

Glide reflection is a combination of a translation in a given direction and reflection in a

line parallel to that direction. Whether the reflection happens first or not, it does not
matter. This transformation will produce the same image. The same terms that apply to
reflections and translations apply to glide reflections: an axis is needed to perform the
reflection, a magnitude and direction are needed to perform the translation. Thus to tell
specifically for glide reflection, the translation need to specify as well as the line of
reflection.

(i)

Figure 2.4 (7): A simple glide reflection.

(ii)

Figure 2.4 (8): Footsteps in the sand.

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Determine the transformation that used to form each tessellation below:

a. b.

2.5 Plane Symmetries

This sub-topic will be discussed in the lecture.

2.6 The seven frieze (strip) patterns

In this section we will take a brief look at some infinite symmetry groups which can be used to
classify the symmetries of ‘frieze’ or ‘strip’ patterns. What are the frieze patterns? Frieze
patterns are classified under infinite discrete symmetry groups. A frieze is a horizontal band of
sculptures or decoration appearing on buildings and walls, often near the ceiling, laces and
borders.

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2.6.1 Types of transformations involved

Because the patterns are along a strip only, the translations which can be included are
those which shift points ‘along’ the strip. The only rotation which allowed is ‘half turns’ –
i.e. rotation through 1800 .

Patterns along the strip only allowed 2 types of reflection:

(i) the reflection line (mirror line) perpendicular to the strip (if the strip is assumed in
horizontal position)

Reflection line

(ii) The reflection line (mirror line) horizontal along the midline of the strip.

Reflection line

Translation and glide reflection can be used by themselves to generate infinite patterns
since the square of both a half turn (rotation through 1800) and a reflection is the
identity.

To summarize, the transformations involved to form infinite patterns in a strip are

(i) Translation
(ii) Glide reflection (combination of 2 types of transformation: reflection followed by
translation in the same direction)
(iii) Rotation through 1800 only and
(iv) Reflection (mirror line perpendicular to the strip or horizontal along the midline of
the strip)

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There are only seven frieze patterns. It is shown in the following Table 2.6(1):

Pattern Type of Pattern Examples

transformation
1. C∞ Translation

2. C∞ Glide reflection

3. D∞ 2 half turns (1800)

4. D∞ 2 reflections (mirror
perpendicular and
horizontal)
5. D∞ 1 reflection and 1 half
turn(1800)
6. C∞ x D1 1 translation dan 1
reflection (mirror
horizontal along the
midline of the strip)
7. D∞ x D1 3 reflections

Table 2.6(1)

Note : C = Cyclic
D = Dihedral (Combination of rotation and reflection)

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2.6.2 Flow chart to distinguish frieze patterns

Is there a vertical reflection?

Yes No

Is there a horizontal reflection? Is there a vertical reflection or glide reflection?

Yes No Yes

7 Is there a half turn? Is there a horizontal reflection?

No

Yes No Yes No

5 3 6 2

Is there a half turn?

Yes No

4 1

Diagram adapted from Hayley Rintel, Melissa Shearer, and the 1999
Exploring Symmetry Class

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Additional Notes for Students:

1. All frieze patterns have translation symmetry

2. When a frieze pattern has vertical reflection symmetry that means we can draw at least
one vertical line so that one side of the pattern is a mirror image of the other side. There
is often more than one possible vertical line.
3. When a frieze pattern has horizontal symmetry, the only possible horizontal line is the
line through the center of the pattern.
4. The best way to determine if a frieze pattern has rotation symmetry is to look at it upside
down and see if it looks the same.
5. The best way to recognize glide reflection symmetry is to picture a set of footprints in the
sand.

Collect information (Scrap book)

Collect materials that are related to frieze pattern. Examples of materials that can be
collected are laces, embroidered cloth, and pictures of bracelets, necklaces or
bangles, pattern on prayer mat, ironworks, frame, cornices, borders and others that
shows pattern along the strip.

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