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What is Symmetry in Math?


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what is symmetry symmetry year 4 symmetry powerpoint symmetry lines of symmetry Symmetry in Math

What is Symmetry in Math?


Symmetry in Math
Explore what symmetry means and what makes symmetrical shapes symmetrical with this
informative guide featuring definitions, examples and teaching resources.

Symmetry meaning in maths


Something is symmetrical when it has two matching halves. You can check for symmetry
in a shape by drawing a mirror line down the middle and seeing if both halves are identical.
An Introduction to Symmetry PowerPoint
In other words, symmetry exists when something that has matching parts facing each
other or around an axis.

But what makes a shape symmetrical? Simply put, symmetrical (or symmetric) shapes
have one side that is the same as the other. Symmetrical shapes look the same after being
reflected, rotated, or translated.

There are four main types of symmetry, which are: translation, rotation, reflection, and
glide reflection. However, it is reflectional symmetry – also known as mirror symmetry or
line symmetry – that is the main type of symmetry in maths taught in schools.

If we can draw a line directly through the centre or axis of a shape, so that either side of the Draw The Other Half Symmetry Worksheet
line is a reflection of the other, then it is a symmetrical shape with reflectional symmetry.
We also refer to the line that we draw through the shape as a line of symmetry. Help

Lines of symmetry meaning


A line of symmetry splits a shape in half, creating two identical shapes from it. When
drawing this line, you need to find the exact middle of a shape or figure.

Lines of Symmetry Differentiated Activities

Above are two examples of symmetrical shapes, and their lines of symmetry. It's also Winter Symmetry Activity
important to note that some shapes can have multiple lines of symmetry. Take a square,
for example - you can actually draw four lines of symmetry on a square. One horizontally
across the middle, one vertically down the middle, and two going diagonally each way.

A line of symmetry can also be called a 'mirror line' as a mirror can be placed along it and
the reflection would show the entire shape. Small mirrors can be handy in the classroom to
help children understand the meaning of symmetry and how it works.

Symmetry PowerPoint Quiz

Lines of Symmetry Activity Sheet

Different types of symmetry: meaning


Now that we've established what reflectional (or line) symmetry is, let’s take a look at the
other main ways in which a shape or pattern can be deemed symmetrical. While students
may not learn about these until high school, it's worth knowing the basics of these other
forms of symmetry in maths.

What are the four types of symmetry? 2D Shapes Symmetry Worksheet

The four types of symmetry are rotational, translational, reflection, and glide reflection.

Rotational symmetry

Also known as radial symmetry. A shape or pattern has rotational symmetry when it looks
the same after being rotated less than one full turn. We count rotational symmetry by the
number of turns it takes for a shape to look the same. This is called the 'order' of rotational
symmetry. For example, a rectangle has an order of 2, and a five-point star has an order of
5. For an in-depth look at rotational symmetry in maths, take a look at our dedicated Twinkl
Wiki Page.
Line of Symmetry Worksheet

Translational symmetry

Translational symmetry in maths is slightly more complex and, again, is only introduced in
high school. For an object to have translational symmetry, it needs to have been translated,
or cloned and moved, in a certain direction and at a certain distance away. There must be
more than one of a specific pattern or object for it to have translational symmetry, which is
why it's often useful to think of a repeated pattern as an example of translational
symmetry.

If you were to have a border of small square shapes across the top of a wall in your home,
Investigating Lines of Symmetry Worksheet
you'd want these to be repeated and at the same distance apart from each other. This
would be an example of translational symmetry.

Glide reflection symmetry

Glide reflection symmetry is best thought of as a hybrid between reflection and


translational symmetry. It involves both processes, but in a specific order; reflection over a
line, and then translation along the line. A shape must first be reflected and then translated
in any direction for glide reflection to have taken place.

Lines Of Symmetry In Capital Letters Worksheet

Butterfly Pattern Symmetry Worksheet

When is symmetry introduced in schools?


Students are likely to be introduced to the concept of symmetry in maths during primary
school. Here they will begin to learn about the geometry of 2D Shapes, their geometric
Investigating Lines of Symmetry Worksheet
attributes, and develop the background knowledge required to begin understanding
properties like congruence and relational symmetry.

When do children learn about symmetry in primary school?


In Year 2, children will begin to learn about symmetry and lines of symmetry.

InYear 4, children need to identify lines of symmetry in 2D shapes. They will find out about
different lines of symmetry within shapes and learn how to identify the lines of symmetry
within regular shapes. They might also need to classify shapes using properties that
include lines of symmetry.
Reflective Symmetry Drawing Challenge Cards
InYear 5, children will begin to learn about reflection. They will need to use a mirror line to
reflect shapes to complete them.

InYear 6, children will learn about co-ordinate planes and quadrants, using axes to reflect
shapes.

Symmetry resources
Fun resources, like Twinkl’s Winter Symmetry Drawing Activity, are a great for introducing
younger kids to the concept of symmetry while also practising their pencil control.

Symmetry PowerPoint Pack

Symmetry Games and Activities Pack

Twinkl Tip: A great idea for helping younger students develop their understanding of
symmetry is to let them cut out 2D shapes and get them to fold them in different ways to
see if they can make them symmetrical. This method of trial and error will help them
determine which shapes are symmetrical and which are not.

2D Shape Symmetry Drawing Activities

Reflective Patterns Worksheets

Twinkl's Lines of Symmetry Differentiated Activity is a useful resource for supporting


children learning symmetry's meaning. It can be used either as an introduction to reflective
symmetry or as a revision activity to reinforce your children’s learning. All of our resources
are easy to download and use, either at home or at school, depending on your needs and
those of your child.
Shapes for Symmetry

Properties and Symmetry of 2D Shapes Posters

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