BICOL COLLEGE

Sagpon Daraga, Albay

HEPTAGONAL TESSELLATION USING GEOMETRICAL SHAPES

A Mathematical Investigation presented to Ms. Judy V. Bongala, Faculty, Education

Department, in partial fulfilment of the requirements in the course MCMATH18 – Mathematical

Investigation and Modelling.

By:

Aira Jane M. Bado

BSED Mathematics III

1st Semester
INTRODUCTION

Tessellation is an excellent mathematical structure that shapes beauty. With a pattern that

completely covers the surface with no gaps or overlaps, it can be extended infinitely in all

directions from one side. Jones (1975) developed a set of rules on how to characterize the link

between regular and semi-regular polygons. The first rule said that the tiles require matching

polygon angles at the vertices that add up to exactly 360 degrees. The second rule is that each

vertex has 3 or more polygons and requires 6 or fewer conferences. The third rule, in semi-

regular polygons, four different types of polygons cannot intersect at the vertices. Shaped

polygons are displayed that can affect perceived beauty. People may prefer a particular polygon

over other polygons, or they may prefer a pattern with certain types of vertices.

M.C. Eschar (1898) created unique and interesting works of art in which various

mathematical theories were explored and demonstrated. His greatest admirers were

mathematicians, who saw his work as an exception to the principles of mathematics. One of the

mathematical works of Eschars’ was about regular parts of an aircraft that are closed-loop

devices that completely cover the aircraft without any gaps or overlaps which is also called

tessellation. To fill any space, the angle must be 360 degrees.

This mathematical investigation focuses on using geometrical shapes specifically squares

and triangles to formed heptagons that can tessellate. Eschar (1898) also investigated the use of

squares and triangles to make a polygon tessellate. The difference between the investigations of

M. C. Eschar to the investigators’ study is that the polygons use is heptagon, while Eschar is a

hexagon. The result of this investigation can help future mathematics teachers and future

investigators in practical experience in using a different method that stimulates their interest in

constructing Heptagonal Tessellation.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This mathematical investigation aims to study that heptagons can be formed using geometrical

shapes and tessellate.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is Heptagonal Tessellation?

2. What are geometrical shapes should be used to construct Heptagons?

3. What are techniques should be used in constructing Heptagonal Tessellation?

4. What are the proofs that those geometrical shapes can form Heptagons?

Extensions:

As an extension, this study also investigated:

1. The use of five equilateral triangles can form irregular heptagons that tessellate.

2. Reflection and Rotation are the methods used in constructing Heptagonal Tessellation

using equilateral triangles.

CONJECTURES

1. Squares, Equilateral, and Isosceles right triangle can form heptagons.

2. The sum of the measure of interior angles of the square in Heptagon is 360 degrees.

3. The sum of the measure of interior angles of the equilateral triangle in Heptagon is 180

degrees.

4. The sum of the measure of interior angles of an isosceles right triangle in Heptagon is

180 degrees.

5. The sum of the interior angles of all the geometric shapes used to form heptagon is 900

degrees.

6. Heptagons can tessellate repeatedly by moving or sliding.

7. Heptagons can tessellate repeatedly by rotating or turning.

8. Heptagons can tessellate repeatedly by reflecting or flipping.