Types of Symmetry

Symmetries of the Plane

Consider a "repeating pattern" in the plane (a
concept that I won't define exactly at this time). To
understand what is meant by a symmetry of the
pattern, imagine that you've traced the pattern onto
a transparent plastic sheet. Now think about moving
the sheet to a different position where the tracing on
the sheet still matches the pattern. That motion is
called a symmetry of the pattern. There are
four basic types of symmetry for
planar patterns:
• Translation -- Slide the pattern for some distance along a
straight line.
• Rotation -- Leave one point in the same place, and rotate
the pattern through some angle about that point.
• Reflection -- Flip the pattern over. A reflection leaves
some line in the same place. Everything on either side of
that line is reflected through the line to the opposite side,
as if in a mirror.
• Glide Reflection -- This is just translation along some line,
followed by a reflection through that line.
• Here are some pictures of patterns that display each of
these basic types of symmetry:
Translational
Rotational
Glide Reflection
• https://tessellations.ca/2018/12/06/re-creating-m-
c-eschers-lizard-tessellation/
• https://www.geogebra.org/m/CFh4ngUa