3•6 Symmetry

Symmetry In Two-Dimensional Figures

A two-dimensional figure has line symmetry if the figure
can be mapped onto itself by a reflection in a line called the
line of symmetry.

EXAMPLE Identify Line Symmetry

State whether the figure appears to have
line symmetry. If so, draw all lines of
symmetry, and state their number.

The heart has line symmetry.

It has one line of symmetry.

Reflecting the figure over the line carries it C09-021A-890517-B1

onto itself.

A figure in a plane has rotational symmetry if the figure can

be mapped onto itself by a rotation between 0°C09-021A-890517-B
and 360° about
the center of the figure, called the center of symmetry.

EXAMPLE Identify Rotational Symmetry

State whether the figure appears to have
rotational symmetry. If so, locate the center
of symmetry and state the order and
magnitude of symmetry.
The figure has rotational symmetry.
The center of symmetry is the
intersection of the diagonals. The figure C09-021A-890517-D1
has order 4 symmetry and magnitude of
360 ÷ 4 or 90°.
Rotating the figure 90°, 180°, 270°, or 360°
about the center carries it onto itself. C09-021A-890517-D

Symmetry 125
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 Symmetry In Three-Dimensional Figures
3•6

A three-dimensional figure has plane symmetry if the figure

can be mapped onto itself by a reflection in a plane. A three-
dimensional figure has axis symmetry if the figure can be
SYMMETRY

mapped onto itself by a rotation between 0° and 360° in a line.

EXAMPLE Three-Dimensional Symmetry

State whether the figure has plane symmetry, axis
symmetry, both, or neither.
a.

 he cylinder has plane symmetry.

T
The cylinder has axis symmetry.

C09-022A-890518-B1
b. C09-022A-890518-B

The letter N has plane symmetry.

c. C09-022A-890518-C
C09-022A-890518-C1

C09-022A-890518-G
The shape has plane symmetry.
The shape has axis symmetry.

C09-022A-890518-H1
126 HotTopic 3
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 3•6 Exercises
State whether the figure appears to have line
symmetry. Write yes or no. If so, copy the figure and draw
all of the lines on which a reflection will carry the
figure onto itself. State their number.
1.

2.

C09-021A-007890517-E

State whether the figure has rotational symmetry.

Write yes or no. If so, locate the center of symmetry, and
describe the rotation that carries the figure onto itself.
C09-021A-007890517-F
3. 4.

C09-021A-890517-J

C09-021A-890517-H-B
Symmetry 127
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 State whether the figure has plane symmetry, axis
3•6
symmetry, both, or neither.
5. 6.
EXERCISES

C09-022A-890518-D

C09-022A-890518-E
7. 8.

C09-022A-890518-F C09-022A-890518-G
9. 10.

HB-C003-L006-1013A-136014
11. HB-C003-L006-1012A-136014
12.

HB-C003-L006-1015A-136014
HB-C003-L006-1014A-136014

128 HotTopic 3
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