1.

1 Line Symmetry
Focus on… This optical illusion was developed around 1915
After this lesson, you by the Dutch psychologist Edgar Rubin. Like
will be able to… many optical illusions, this one involves a
• classify 2-D shapes reflection. Look at the illusion. What do you see?
or designs according Where is the line of reflection in this example?
to the number of
lines of symmetry
• identify the line(s) of
symmetry for a 2-D
shape or design
• complete a shape or
Explore Lines of Symmetry
design given one 1. Fold a piece of paper in half. Mark two points, A and B, on the fold.
half of the shape and Draw a wavy or jagged line between points A and B on one side of
a line of symmetry the paper. Cut along the line and then unfold your cut-out figure.
• create a design that a) How does the fold affect the shape of the cutout?
demonstrates line
b) Explain why it would make sense to refer to your fold line as a
symmetry
line of symmetry .
Materials B
• scissors
• isometric dot paper A
• tracing paper
• grid paper

line of symmetry
• a line that divides a 2. a) How could you fold a piece of paper so that a cutout shape would
figure into two have two lines of symmetry? Use your method to create a cutout
reflected parts
• sometimes called a line
with two lines of symmetry.
of reflection or axis of b) Fold and cut a piece of paper to make a design with four lines
symmetry of symmetry.
• a figure may have one
or more lines of
symmetry, or it may 3. Draw an equilateral triangle on isometric dot paper. Then, cut it
have none out using scissors. How many lines of symmetry are there? Explain
• can be vertical, how you arrived at your answer.
horizontal, or oblique
(slanted)
4. The diagram shows half of a shape. Line r represents r
a line of symmetry for the shape. Copy the diagram. A
D
Then, draw the complete shape.
B

6 MHR • Chapter 1
Reflect and Check
5. What are some ways to complete the shape in #4? Describe one way to
a partner. See if your partner can follow your instructions.

6. Describe two different ways to find a line of symmetry for a symmetric

2-D shape. Which one do you prefer? Why?

Link the Ideas

Symmetry creates a sense of balance
and, often, a sense of peace,
tranquility, and perfection. A famous
example of its use in architecture is
the Taj Mahal, in Agra, India. Many
parts of the building and grounds
were designed and built to be perfectly
symmetrical. Symmetry can also be
seen in the pools that reflect an image
of the structure. However, as with
most cases of naturally occurring
symmetry, the reflection in the pools is
not perfect.

Example 1: Find Lines of Symmetry

Each of the following demonstrates line symmetry . For each part, use a line symmetry
different method to find the line(s) of symmetry. State the number of lines • a type of symmetry
of symmetry and describe each one. where an image or
object can be divided
a) b) into two identical,
reflected halves by a
line of symmetry
• identical halves can be
reflected in a vertical,
horizontal, or oblique
(slanted) line of
symmetry

vertical line
c) of symmetry

horizontal line
of symmetry

oblique line
of symmetry

1.1 Line Symmetry • MHR 7

 Solution
a) By using a Mira™, you can see
that there is one horizontal line
of symmetry.

b) You can find the lines of symmetry by

counting on the grid. For this figure,
there are the same number of squares
above and below the horizontal line
of symmetry. There are the same the
number of squares to the left and right
of the vertical line of symmetry. You can
see that there are two lines of symmetry:
one horizontal and one vertical.

c) You can find the lines of symmetry by folding. If the shape on each side
of the fold is the same, the fold line is a line of symmetry. This figure
can be folded along four different lines to create mirrored shapes: one
horizontal, one vertical, and two oblique.
You can sketch the complete
figures to prove that the fold
lines in these images are, in
fact, lines of symmetry?

Show You Know

How many lines of symmetry are possible for each figure? Describe each
line of symmetry as vertical, horizontal, or oblique.
a) b) c)

8 MHR • Chapter 1
Example 2: Complete Drawings Using Symmetry
Each drawing shows half of a figure. The dashed brown line represents a
line of symmetry for the figure. Draw a complete version of each figure.
a) b)

Solution
a) Method 1: Use Paper Folding
Fold a piece of paper in half. Draw the figure on the paper so that the
line of symmetry is along the folded edge. Cut out the figure you have
drawn. Unfold the paper to reveal the complete figure.

Method 2: Use Measurement or Counting

Draw the half figure onto a grid, and label the vertices A, B, C, and D. Literacy Link
All points not on the line of symmetry are reflected on the opposite side B and C are symbols
used to designate the
of the line. In this figure, this is points B and C. The reflected points are
new positions of B and
drawn the same perpendicular distance from the fold line so that C after a transformation.
BX = BX and CD = CD. Join A to B, B to C, and C to D to B is read as “B prime.”
complete the figure.

B C B C

X
A D A D

B’ C’

B C

B’ C’

1.1 Line Symmetry • MHR 9

 b) One method is to mark the perpendicular distance from
each vertex on the opposite side of the line of symmetry.
Then, connect the lines to complete the figure.

C B B’ C’

What is another
A A’ method that you could
use to create this
figure?
F F’

D E E’ D’

The completed figure is a block-letter H.

Notice that the line of symmetry is not part of the final figure.

Show You Know

Web Link
Copy each shape. Use the line of symmetry and a method of
To explore more about
symmetry, go to
your choice to complete each shape.
www.mathlinks9.ca a) b)
and follow the links.

10 MHR • Chapter 1
 Key Ideas
• Line symmetry exists whenever a shape or design can be separated into two
identical halves by a line of symmetry. The line of symmetry, also known as
a line of reflection, may or may not be part of the diagram itself.

• A shape or design can have any whole number of lines of symmetry.

Describe the
lines of
symmetry in
Shape these images.

Number of
Lines of 0 2 16
Symmetry

• You can complete a symmetric drawing by folding or reflecting one

half in the line of symmetry. The opposite halves are mirror images. Literacy Link
If a shape or design
has symmetry, then
This name has one line of symmetry. If you know the first two letters you can it can be described
complete the name by reflecting in the dashed line. as symmetric or
symmetrical.

Check Your Understanding

Communicate the Ideas
1. Any rectangle has only two lines of symmetry. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Explain. Use drawings to support your argument.

2. Explain the changes you would need to make

in the diagram so that the diagonal lines in the
centre would become lines of symmetry. Redraw
the diagram to match your answer.

1.1 Line Symmetry • MHR 11

 3. Three students disagree on whether a parallelogram is symmetric.
Sasha claims it is symmetric and has two lines of symmetry. Basil Literacy Link
says it is symmetric and has four lines of symmetry. Kendra argues A parallelogram is a
it is not symmetric since it has no lines of symmetry. Which of the four-sided figure with
opposite sides parallel
three answers is correct? Explain why. and equal in length.

Practise
For help with #4 to #6, refer to Example 1 on pages 7–8. 6. Which figures have only two lines of
symmetry? Explain how you know.
4. Where are the lines of symmetry for each
figure? Draw a rough sketch of the figures in A B
your notebook. Show all lines of symmetry
in a different colour.
a) b)

C D

c)
E F

For help with #7 and #8, refer to Example 2 on pages 9–10.

7. If the dashed line is the line of symmetry,

5. Redraw each diagram, showing all lines
what does the complete diagram look like?
of symmetry.
Sketch your diagrams on grid paper.
a) b)
a) b)

c)

12 MHR • Chapter 1
 8. Copy each figure. Use the line of symmetry 11. Some regular shapes, such as an equilateral
shown to complete each figure. triangle, a square, or a regular hexagon,
a) b) appear to show line symmetry when they are
translated in one direction. Do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Give examples
to support your argument. Discuss your
answer with a partner.

12. The Norwegian flag has a width to length

ratio of 8 to 11.
Apply
9. Copy the figure on a coordinate grid.
y
A

a) Does the flag have line symmetry?

E
Explain your answer.
C b) What changes would be necessary
in order to have exactly two lines
of symmetry?
0 5 x

a) Draw the reflection image if the y-axis is 13. How many lines of symmetry does the flag
the line of reflection. Label the reflected of each of the following countries have?
vertices A, C, and E. a) Belgium b) Canada
b) What are the coordinates of A, C, and E
in your drawing in part a)?
c) Do the original figure and its reflection
image show line symmetry? Explain.

10. Create a figure similar to question #9, using c) Scotland d) Switzerland

a coordinate grid.
a) Translate the figure 4 units to the right.
b) What are the coordinates of A, C,
and E?
c) Do the original figure and its translation
image show line symmetry? Explain your
thinking.
d) Now, translate the figure you created Did You Know?
in part a) 5 units down. Do the original There are only two sovereign states that have a square
figure and this new translation image flag: Switzerland and Vatican City. The flag of Belgium is
close to square, with a width to length ratio of 13 : 15.
show line symmetry? Explain.

1.1 Line Symmetry • MHR 13

14. The number of lines of symmetry for a 18. Margaux is exploring regular polygons and
square flag can vary. Create sketches of flag line symmetry. She discovers that
designs that show 0, 1, 2, and 4 lines of • an equilateral triangle has three interior
symmetry. angles and three lines of symmetry

15. Consider the upper-case block letters of the

English alphabet.

a) Which letters have a horizontal line of

symmetry?
b) Which letters have a vertical line of
symmetry? • a square has four interior angles and four
lines of symmetry
c) Which letter(s) have both horizontal and
vertical lines of symmetry?

16. Using block letters, the word MOM can be

written either vertically or horizontally. In
each position, it has one vertical line of
symmetry.
M
O MOM
M • a regular pentagon has five interior angles
and five lines of symmetry
a) Write at least two other words that
have one vertical line of symmetry when
printed vertically or horizontally.
b) Find a word that has a horizontal line of
symmetry when it is printed horizontally,
and a vertical line of symmetry when
printed vertically.
c) Find a word that has one line of
symmetry when it is printed vertically,
but that is not symmetric when printed a) Work with a partner to continue
horizontally. Margaux’s exploration for a regular
hexagon, heptagon, and octagon.
17. a) Some single digits have line symmetry, b) What pattern do you discover?
depending on how they are printed. c) Does this pattern continue beyond
Which digits can demonstrate line an octagon? How do you know?
symmetry?
b) Write a four-digit number that has
two lines of symmetry when written
horizontally.
c) What is a five-digit number that has
two lines of symmetry?

14 MHR • Chapter 1
19. Consider these figures. 21. Consider the clocks shown.

A B
12:00

Figure A Figure B
a) Explain whether each clock has line
symmetry at some time? Ignore the
different lengths of the hands on clock A.
b) At what time(s) do your choices in part a)
show true line symmetry?

22. Points A(4, 3) and B(6, -4) are reflected in

Figure C the y-axis to form a quadrilateral. What is
its area?
a) Which figure(s) shows line symmetry?
b) What effect does the colour have on 23. The triangle A(-6, 0) B(-2, 0) C(-2, -3) is
your answer in part a)? reflected in the y-axis. The resulting image is
c) How many lines of symmetry does each then reflected in a diagonal line passing
figure you identified in part a) have? through the origin and (5, 5) to form
ABC. Describe one transformation that
Extend translates ABC directly to ABC.

20. The triangle A(-6, 0) B(-2, 0) C(-2, -3) 24. A three-dimensional object that is cut in half
is first reflected in the y-axis. The resulting by a plane may be symmetric. Do you agree?
triangle is then reflected in a vertical line Give examples.
passing through (10, 0) to form ABC.
Describe one transformation that translates
ABC directly to ABC. Literacy Link
A plane is a flat, two-dimensional surface that extends in
all directions.

Imagine that you are working for a company that produces designs for many
different uses, from playing cards to novelty items. Your job is to create appealing
designs that can be used for a variety of products. As part of your portfolio, create a
design that has at least two lines of symmetry. Draw your design on a half sheet of
8.5 × 11 paper. Store it in the pocket in your Foldable. You will need this design for
the Math Link: Wrap It Up! on page 39.

1.1 Line Symmetry • MHR 15

 1.2 Rotation Symmetry and
Transformations
Focus on…
After this lesson, you Some 2-D shapes and designs
will be able to… do not demonstrate line symmetry,
• tell if 2-D shapes and but are still identified as having
designs have
symmetry. The logo shown has
rotation symmetry
this type of symmetry. What type
• give the order of of transformation can be
rotation and angle of
demonstrated in this symbol?
rotation for various
shapes
• create designs with
rotation symmetry
• identify the
transformations in
shapes and designs
involving line or
rotation symmetry

Materials Explore Symmetry of a Rotation

• scissors
• tracing paper Look carefully at the logo shown.
1. The logo has symmetry of rotation. What do you think that means?

2. Copy the logo using tracing paper. Place your drawing on top of the
original figure. Put the point of your pencil on the tracing paper and
rotate the design until the traced design fits perfectly over the
centre of rotation
original design.
• the point about which
the rotation of an a) Where did you have to put your pencil so that you were able to
object or design turns rotate your copy so that it fit over the original? How did you
decide where to put your pencil? Explain why it is appropriate
rotation symmetry that this point is called the centre of rotation .
• occurs when a shape or b) How many times will your tracing fit over the original design, in
design can be turned one complete turn?
about its centre of c) Approximately how many degrees did you turn your tracing each
rotation so that it fits
time before it overlapped the original?
onto its outline more
than once in a
complete turn 3. Work with a partner to try #2 with some other logos or designs.

Reflect and Check

4. What information can you use to describe rotation symmetry ?

16 MHR • Chapter 1
Link the Ideas
Example 1: Find Order and Angle of Rotation
order of rotation
For each shape, what are the order of rotation and the angle of
• the number of times a
rotation ? Express the angle of rotation in degrees and as a fraction
shape or design fits
of a revolution. onto itself in one
a) b) complete turn

6 4

c) angle of rotation
• the minimum measure
of the angle needed to
turn a shape or design
onto itself
• may be measured in
degrees or fractions of
a turn
Solution • is equal to 360° divided
by the order of rotation
Copy each shape or design onto a separate piece of tracing paper. Place
your copy over the original, and rotate it to determine the order and
angle of rotation.

Order of Angle of Rotation Angle of Rotation

Rotation (Degrees) (Fraction of Turn)
360° = 180°
_____ 1 turn = __
______ 1 turn
a) 2
2 2 2
360° = 72°
_____ 1 turn = __
______ 1 turn The figure in part c)
b) 5
5 5 5 does not have
c) 1 360° 1 turn rotational symmetry.

Show You Know Did You Know?

For each shape, give the order of rotation, and the angle of rotation The Métis flag shown
in degrees and as a fraction. Which of the designs have rotation in part a) is a white
infinity symbol on a
symmetry?
blue background. The
a) b) c) infinity symbol can
represent that the
Métis nation will go
on forever. It can also
be interpreted as two
conjoined circles,
representing the
joining of two
cultures: European
and First Nations.

1.2 Rotation Symmetry and Transformations • MHR 17

 Example 2: Relating Symmetry to Transformations
Examine the figures.

Visualize the
translation and
rotation of the figures.
How does this help you
determine the type of
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
symmetry that they
demonstrate? a) What type of symmetry does each figure demonstrate?
b) For each example of line symmetry, indicate how many lines of
symmetry there are. Describe whether the lines of symmetry are
vertical, horizontal, or oblique.
c) For each example of rotation symmetry, give the order of rotation,
and the angle of rotation in degrees.
d) How could each design be created from a single shape using
translation, reflection, and/or rotation?

Solution
The answers to parts a), b), and c) have been organized in a table.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
a) Type of rotation line rotation and line
symmetry
b) Number and No lines of Total = 1: Total = 2:
direction of lines symmetry vertical 1 vertical
of symmetry 1 horizontal

c) Order of rotation 3 1 2

Angle of rotation 360° = 120°

_____ 360° 360° = 180°
_____
3 2

Figure 2 does not have

rotational symmetry

18 MHR • Chapter 1
 1
d) Figure 1 can be created from a single arrow by rotating it __ of a
3
turn about the centre of rotation, as shown.

Figure 2 can be created from a single circle by translating it four times.

How could you use

reflection to create this
figure?

Figure 3 can be created from one of the hexagons by reflecting it in a

vertical line, followed by a horizontal reflection (or vice versa).

How could you use Web Link

translation and To see examples of
reflection to create rotation symmetry, go
this design? to www.mathlinks9.ca
and follow the links.

Show You Know

Consider each figure.

Figure A Figure B

a) Does the figure show line symmetry, rotation symmetry, or both?

b) If the figure has line symmetry, describe each line of symmetry as
vertical, horizontal, or oblique.
c) For each example of rotation symmetry, give the order of rotation.
d) How could each design be created from a single part of itself using
translations, reflections, or rotations?

1.2 Rotation Symmetry and Transformations • MHR 19

 Key Ideas
• The two basic kinds of symmetry for 2-D shapes or designs are
 line symmetry  rotation symmetry

line of symmetry centre of rotation

• The order of rotation is the number of times a figure fits on itself in one
complete turn.
For the fan shown above, the order of rotation is 8.
• The angle of rotation is the smallest angle through which the shape or
design must be rotated to lie on itself. It is found by dividing the number
of degrees in a circle by the order of rotation.
1
For the fan shown above, the angle of rotation is 360° ÷ 8 = 45° or 1 ÷ 8 = __,
8
1
or __ turn.
8
• A shape or design can have one or both types of symmetry.

A
A

A
A

line symmetry rotation symmetry both

Check Your Understanding

Communicate the Ideas
1. Describe rotation symmetry. Use terms such as centre of rotation, order
of rotation, and angle of rotation. Sketch an example.

2. Maurice claims the design shown has rotation

symmetry. Claudette says that it shows line
symmetry. Explain how you would settle this
disagreement.

3. Can a shape and its translation image demonstrate rotation symmetry?

Explain with examples drawn on a coordinate grid.

20 MHR • Chapter 1
Practise
For help with #4 and #5, refer to Example 1 on page 17. For help with #6 and #7, refer to Example 2 on pages 18–19.

4. Each shape or design has rotation symmetry. 6. Each design has line and rotation symmetry.
What is the order and the angle of rotation? What are the number of lines of symmetry
Express the angle in degrees and as a and the order of rotation for each?
fraction of a turn. Where is the centre a) b)
of rotation?
a)

c)

b) 7. Each design has both line and rotation

symmetry. Give the number of lines of
symmetry and the size of the angle of
rotation for each.
a) b)

c)
1961
5. Does each figure have rotation symmetry?
Confirm your answer using tracing paper. Apply
What is the angle of rotation in degrees? 8. Examine the design.
a) b)

a) What basic shape could you use to make

this design?
c)
XOX b) Describe how you could use translations,
rotations, and/or reflections to create the
first two rows of the design.

1.2 Rotation Symmetry and Transformations • MHR 21

 9. Consider the figure shown. 11. Does each tessellation have line symmetry,
rotation symmetry, both, or neither? Explain
by describing the line of symmetry and/or
the centre of rotation. If there is no
symmetry, describe what changes would
make the image symmetrical.
a)

a) What is its order of rotation?

b) Trace the figure onto a piece of paper.
How could you create this design using
a number of squares and triangles?
c) Is it possible to make this figure by
transforming only one piece? Explain.
b)
10. Many Aboriginal languages use symbols
for sounds and words. A portion of a Cree
syllabics chart is shown.

e i ii u uu a aa

we wii wa waa

pe pi pii pu puu pa paa pwaa c)

te twe ti tii tu tuu ta taa twaa

ke kwe ki kii ku kuu ka kaa kwaa

a) Select two symbols that have line

symmetry and another two that have
rotation symmetry. Redraw the symbols.
Show the possible lines of symmetry and d)
angles of rotation.
b) Most cultures have signs and symbols
with particular meaning. Select a
culture. Find or draw pictures of at
least two symbols from the culture that
demonstrate line symmetry or rotation
symmetry. Describe what each symbol
represents and the symmetries involved.
Literacy Link
A tessellation is a pattern or arrangement that covers an
area without overlapping or leaving gaps. It is also known
as a tiling pattern.

22 MHR • Chapter 1
12. Reproduce the rectangle on a coordinate grid. 14. Alain drew a pendant design that has
a) Create a drawing that has rotation both line and rotation symmetry.
symmetry of order 4 about the origin.
Label the vertices of your original
rectangle. Show the coordinates of
the image after each rotation.
y

a) How many lines of symmetry are in this

2 design? What is the size of the smallest
angle between these lines of symmetry?
b) What are the order and the angle of
x
–4 –2 0 2 4 rotation for this design?
–2
15. Imagine you are a jewellery designer. On
grid paper, create a design for a pendant that
–4 has more than one type of symmetry.
Compare your design with those of your
classmates.
b) Start again, this time using line symmetry
to make a new design. Use the y-axis and 16. Copy and complete each design. Use the
then the x-axis as a line of symmetry. centre of rotation marked and the order
How is this new design different from of rotation symmetry given for each part.
the one that you created in part a)? a)

13. Sandra makes jewellery. She created a

pendant based on the shape shown.
E
Order of rotation: 2
b)

a) Determine the order and the angle of

rotation for this design.
b) If Sandra’s goal was to create a design
with more than one type of symmetry,
was she successful? Explain.

Order of rotation: 4
Hint: Pay attention to the two dots in the
centre of the original shape.

1.2 Rotation Symmetry and Transformations • MHR 23

17. Automobile hubcaps have rotation 20. Two students are looking at a dart board.
symmetry. For each hubcap shown, find the Rachelle claims that if you ignore the
order and the angle of rotation in degrees. numbers, the board has rotation symmetry
a) b) of order 10. Mike says it is order 20. Who
is correct? Explain.

5 20 1
18
12

4
9

13
11 14
c) d)

10 6
8
16

15
7 2
19 3 17

18. a) Sometimes the order of rotation can vary

21. a) Which upper-case letters can be written
depending on which part of a diagram
to have rotation symmetry?
you are looking at. Explain this statement
using the diagram below. b) Which single digits can be considered to
have rotation symmetry? Explain your
answer.
c) Create a five-character Personal
Identification Number (PIN) using letters
and digits that have rotational symmetry.
In addition, your PIN must show line
symmetry when written both horizontally
and vertically.
b) How would you modify this diagram so
that it has rotation symmetry?
22. Some part of each of the objects shown has
rotation symmetry of order 6. Find or draw
19. a) Describe the
other objects that have rotation symmetry of
symmetry shown on order 6. Compare your answers with those
this playing card. of some of your classmates.
b) Why do you think
the card is designed
like this?
c) Does this playing
card have line
symmetry? Explain.

24 MHR • Chapter 1
23. Organizations achieve brand recognition 25. Examine models or consider these drawings
using logos. Logos often use symmetry. of the 3-D solids shown.
a) For each logo shown, identify aspects of
symmetry. Identify the type of symmetry
and describe its characteristics.

Group A

A B

b) Find other logos that have line symmetry,

rotation symmetry, or both. Use pictures
Group B
or drawings to clearly show the symmetry
involved. a) Select one object from each group.
Discuss with a partner any symmetry
Extend that your selected objects have.
b) For one of the objects you selected,
24. Two gears are
A B describe some of its symmetries. Use
attached as shown.
appropriate mathematical terminology
a) The smaller gear from earlier studies of solids and
has rotation symmetry.
symmetry of order m. What is the value
of m? What could m represent? 26. A circle has a radius of length r. If a chord
b) The larger gear has rotation symmetry of with length r is rotated about the centre of
order n. Find the value of n. the circle by touching end to end, what is
c) When the smaller gear makes six full turns, the order of rotation of the resulting shape?
how many turns does the larger gear make? Explain.
d) If gear A has 12 teeth, and gear B has 16
teeth, how many turns does B make when
A makes 8 turns?
e) If gear A has x teeth, and gear B has y
teeth, how many turns does B make when
A makes m turns?

Your design company continues to expand. As a designer, you are constantly trying
to keep your ideas fresh. You also want to provide a level of sophistication not
offered by your competitors. Create another appealing design based on the
concepts of symmetry you learned in section 1.2. Sketch your design on a half sheet
of 8.5 × 11 paper. Store it in the pocket in your Foldable. You will need this design as
part of Math Link: Wrap It Up! on page 39.

1.2 Rotation Symmetry and Transformations • MHR 25

 1.3 Surface Area
Focus on…
After this lesson, you
will be able to…
• determine the area
of overlap in
composite 3-D
objects
• find the surface area
for composite 3-D
objects
• solve problems Red blood cells are the shape of very tiny disks. They have a thickness of
involving surface
2.2 microns and a diameter of 7.1 microns. A micron is another term for a
area
micrometre—one millionth of a metre. Red blood cells absorb oxygen from
the lungs and carry it to other parts of the body. The cell absorbs oxygen
through its surface.
surface area The disease multiple mycloma causes the red blood cells to stick together.
• the sum of the areas How would this affect the surface area of the cells?
of all the faces of an
object
Explore Symmetry and Surface Area
Materials 1. a) Use a small disk to represent a single red blood cell. Estimate the
• small disks or pennies surface area of the disk.
• small boxes or b) Stack four disks. Estimate the surface area of the stack of disks.
dominoes
c) How did you estimate the surface area for parts a) and b)? Compare
your method of estimation with your classmates’ methods.
d) How does the total surface area of the four separate disks compare
to the surface area of the four stacked disks? By what percent did
the total surface area decrease when the disks were stacked?

Literacy Link
An object that is made
from two or more
separate objects is
called a composite
object. 2. Some medicine is shipped in small boxes that 1 cm
measure 1 cm by 4 cm by 2 cm. Six boxes are
wrapped and shipped together. Working with a 4 cm
partner, use models to help answer the following
questions. 2 cm

a) If the arrangement of the six boxes must form a rectangular prism,

how many arrangements are possible?

26 MHR • Chapter 1
 b) The cost to ship a package depends partly on total surface area.
Would it be cheaper to ship the boxes in part a) individually, or
wrapped together in plastic? If you wrapped the boxes together,
which arrangement do you think will cost the least to ship? Explain.

3. You want to waterproof a tent. You need to determine the surface

area of the tent’s sides and ends to purchase the right amount of
waterproofing spray. You do not have to waterproof the bottom.
Calculate the surface area. Give your answer to the nearest tenth of
a square metre.

3m
How can you use the
Pythagorean
relationship to find the
2m dimension for the
tent’s sides?

2m

Reflect and Check

4. How can symmetry help you find the surface area in each of the three
situations? Explain.

5. How does the surface area of a composite object compare with the sum
of the surface areas of its separate parts? Explain.

Link the Ideas

Different formulas can be used to find the surface area of a rectangular
prism or a cylinder. There is one formula that works for both:
Surface Area = 2(area of base) + (perimeter of base) × (height)
SAprism = 2(area of base) + (perimeter of base) × (height) 1 cm
= 2(4 × 2) + (4 + 2 + 4 + 2) × 1
= 16 + 12 4 cm
= 28
2 cm
The surface of this prism is 28 cm2.
Using this same approach, the formula for the surface area of a cylinder is
SAcylinder = 2(area of base) + (perimeter of base) × (height) r
= 2(πr2) + (2πr)h
= 2πr2 + 2πrh
h

1.3 Surface Area • MHR 27

 Example 1: Calculating Surface Area of a Solid
Consider the solid shown, in which all angles are right angles.

front

top
front side (right)
8 cm
8 cm
24 cm 15 cm
8 cm 16 cm
16 cm
20 cm 24 cm
20 cm

a) What are the dimensions of the cutout piece?

b) What is the total surface area of the solid?

Solution
a) The cutout notch is a right rectangular prism. The dimensions
of the notch are 8 cm by 8 cm by 16 cm.

8 cm
8 cm 16 cm

b) Method 1: Find the Surface Area of Each Face

2
You need to find the area of nine faces, including
4
the faces of the notch. Number the faces to help keep 3
track of the faces you have completed. Let the left 1 5
6
face be #7, the back #8, and the bottom #9.

Face Calculation Surface Area (cm2)

Why do you subtract 1 15 × 20 - (8 × 8) 236
8 × 8 in the calculation
for face 1? 2 20 × 24 - (8 × 16) 352
3 8 × 16 128
4 8×8 64
5 8 × 16 128
6 15 × 24 - (8 × 16) 232
7 (left side) 15 × 24 360
8 (back) 15 × 20 300
9 (bottom) 20 × 24 480
Total Surface Area: 2280
The total surface area of the solid is 2280 cm2.

28 MHR • Chapter 1
 Method 2: Use Symmetry
Calculate the surface area of only certain faces. Did You Know?
face 9 (bottom): 20 × 24 = 480 If you cut a right
face 8 (back): 15 × 20 = 300 rectangular piece out
face 7 (left side): 15 × 24 = 360 of one corner of a
rectangular prism
Total of 3 faces: 1140 (Figure 2), the surface
Notice that, by symmetry, opposite faces match. area does not change
from that of the
face 2 + face 5 = face 9 original prism (Figure
face 1 + face 4 = face 8 1). The surface area
face 6 + face 3 = face 7 does change if the
You can obtain the surface area by doubling the area for cutout extends across
face 9 + face 8 + face 7. the solid (Figure 3).
Explain why.
1140 × 2 = 2280
Why could the following be used to
The surface area of calculate the surface area?
SA = 2(15 × 20) + 2(15 × 24) + 2(20 × 24)
the solid is 2280 cm2.
Figure 1
Show You Know
A set of concrete steps has
the dimensions shown.
Estimate and then calculate Figure 2
the surface area of the faces
that are not against the
ground. What is the area of
the surface that is against the Figure 3
ground? Explain your 60 cm
answer. 40 cm

20 cm 90 cm
80 cm

Example 2: Painting a Bookcase Strategies

Raubyn has made a bookcase using 22 cm Make an Assumption
wood that is 2 cm thick for the frame 115 cm
and shelves. The back is thin plywood.
He wants to paint the entire visible
surface. He will not paint the back,
which stands against a wall.
a) What assumptions could you make
about how the bookcase is painted? 140 cm
b) What surface area does Raubyn
need to paint?

2 cm

1.3 Surface Area • MHR 29

 Solution
a) Assumptions could include:
He paints the undersides of the three shelves.
The shelves are set inside the ends of the bookcase. Why would this
assumption make
He paints the visible or inside back surface. a difference?
He does not paint the area of the base on which
the bookcase stands.
Raubyn paints the bookcase after it is assembled.

b) Group similar surfaces together.

Group 1: underside of top, and top and bottom of each of the
three shelves.
Surface area = 7 × 111 × 22 Why is this
= 17 094 measurement
111 cm, rather
Group 2: outside of top and sides. than 115 cm?
Surface area = 22 × 115 + 2(22 × 140)
= 8690
Group 3: back of bookcase that shows inside and front edges of the
three shelves.
Surface area = 111 × 138 This measurement is 138, rather
= 15 318 than 140, because the top piece
is 2 cm thick. Notice that no
Group 4: front edges of top and sides. surface area was subtracted to
Surface area = 2(2 × 138) + 2 × 115 account for the back edges of
= 782 the shelves, and none was
added to account for the front
edges. Using symmetry, explain
why this works.

Total surface area:

17 084 + 8690 + 15 318 + 782 = 41 884
The surface area Raubyn needs to paint is 41 884 cm2.

Show You Know

Web Link
Consider the building shown. 5m
For information on how
to calculate the surface a) Estimate the outside surface area of the building.
area of different shapes, b) Calculate the outside surface area. Determine
go to www.mathlinks9.ca 4m
your answer two different ways.
and follow the links.
c) Which method do you prefer? Why? 5m 10 m
6m

30 MHR • Chapter 1
 Key Ideas
• To determine the surface area of a composite 3-D object, decide which
faces of the object you must consider and what their dimensions are.
• There are several ways to determine the surface area of an object.
 Determine the area of each face. Add these areas together.

 Use symmetry to group similar faces. Calculate the area of one of

the symmetrical faces. Then, multiply by the number of like faces.

This reduces the number of faces for which you need to calculate the
surface area.
The top of this object has an area of 13 square units.
The bottom must have the same area.

 Consider how the shape is made from its component parts.

Determine the surface area of each part. Then, remove the
area of overlapping surfaces.

Check Your Understanding

Communicate the Ideas
1. Build two different solid objects each using 24 interlocking cubes.
a) Explain how symmetry could help you determine the surface area
of one of your objects.
b) Slide the two objects together. What is the area of overlap between
the objects?
c) How does the overlap affect the total surface area of your composite object?

20 cm
2. Nick makes a two-layer cake. Instead of icing,
he puts strawberry jam between the two
layers. He plans to cover the outside of the
cake with chocolate icing. Describe how 5 cm
he can calculate the area that needs icing. 25 cm 5 cm

25 cm

3. Explain how you would calculate the surface 10 cm

area of the object shown.

20 cm

1.3 Surface Area • MHR 31

Practise
For help with #4 to #7, refer to Example 1 on pages 28–29. 6. a) If you build the rectangular solids and
slide them together as shown, what is the
4. Each object has been constructed from
area of the overlap? Assume the dots are
centimetre cubes. Estimate and then
1 cm apart.
calculate the surface area.
a) b)

5. The following objects have been drawn

on isometric dot paper where the distance
between dots is 2 cm. Determine the surface
area of each object.
a)

b) What is the surface area when the solids

are together?

7. Examine the solid and its views. All angles

are right angles.
b) top

25 cm

18 cm

right side
front
9 cm
25 cm
Note: The hole extends all the way 14 cm
through the block. 35 cm
a) What are the dimensions of the cutout
piece?
b) Explain how cutting out the corner piece
will affect the surface area of the original
rectangular solid.

32 MHR • Chapter 1
For help with #8 and #9, refer to Example 2 on pages 29–30. Apply
8. Six small boxes, all the same size, have 10. Use centimetre cubes to build the object
been arranged as shown. shown.

6 cm

1 cm

6 cm

a) What are the dimensions of a single box?

1 cm
b) What is the surface area for the
arrangement of the six boxes? a) What is the object’s surface area?
c) What is the ratio of the answer in part b) Take the same ten cubes and build a
b) to the total surface area of the six rectangular prism. Estimate and then
separate boxes? calculate whether the surface area
remains the same. Explain with examples.

Web Link 11. List places or situations in which surface

To see how surface area changes when a composite object area is important. Compare your list with
is broken apart, go to www.mathlinks9.ca and follow the those of your classmates.
links.
12. Consider this drawing of a garage. The
9. Examine the bookshelf. It is constructed of left side of the garage is attached to the
thin hardwood. The top, bottom, and all house.
three shelves are the same size. There is an
equal distance between the top, the shelves,
and the base. 2.37 m
7m

120 cm
2.43 m 2.15 m

24 cm 0.25 m 3m 0.25 m
90 cm
a) What is the difference in height between
a) What is the surface area of one shelf? the left-hand and right-hand sides of the
Include both sides, but ignore the edges. garage? Explain why you would want a
b) What is the total surface area of the slight slant to a roof?
bookcase? b) Given that the house is attached to
c) What is the fewest number of surfaces for the left side of the garage, what is the
which you need to find the surface area in surface area of the garage to the nearest
order to answer part b)? hundredth of a square metre? What
assumption(s) did you make in answering
this question?

1.3 Surface Area • MHR 33

13. A mug for hot beverages is to be designed to 16. You are planning to put new shingles on the
keep its contents warm as long as possible. roof of the home shown.
The rate at which the beverage cools
depends on the surface area of the container.
The larger the surface area of the mug, the
quicker the liquid inside it will cool.
6.5 cm 2.25 m
8 cm

7.20 m 3.80 m
4.60 m
1.80 m
9.4 cm
13 cm 2.90 m 5.10 m
3.90 m 2.40 m
a) How many times would you need to use
the Pythagorean relationship in order to
a) What is the surface area of each mug? find the area of the roof of the building
Assume that neither has a lid. shown in the diagram?
b) Which is the better mug for keeping b) What is the area of the roof that you
drinks warm? Justify your answer. cannot see in this figure, assuming that it
is a rectangular roof?
14. A chimney has the 30 cm c) One bundle of shingles covers
dimensions shown. approximately 2.88 m2 and costs $26.95.
What is the outside What does it cost for shingles to cover
surface area of the the roof?
chimney? Give your
answer to the nearest 17. The hollow passages through which smoke
hundredth of a square and fumes escape in a chimney are called
130 cm
metre. flues. Each flue shown is 2 cm thick, 20 cm
90 cm high, and has a square opening that is 20 cm
by 20 cm.
Flues

50 cm

15. Twila made the object shown.

8 cm 4 cm

3 cm
12 cm a) What are the outside dimensions of the
a) How can you use symmetry to help two flues?
find the surface area of this object? b) If the height of each flue is 30 cm, what is
b) What is the surface area? the outside surface area of the two flues?
Hint: Do not forget the flat edges on top.

34 MHR • Chapter 1
18. A small metal box is 22. The plan for a concrete birdbath is shown
shown. What is the 5 cm below. The bowl is a cylinder with a depth
inside surface area of the of 10 cm. If the bowl has a diameter of
box? What assumptions 12 cm 30 cm, what is the exposed surface area
did you make in finding 8 cm of the birdbath, including the pillar and
your answer? pedestal?

19. A party planner buys two plain cakes for a

meal she is planning. One cake is square and 38 cm diameter
the other is round. Both cakes are 6 cm thick. 15 cm
The square cake measures 25 cm along each
edge. The round cake has a diameter of 25 cm.
a) Sketch and label a diagram of each cake. 24 cm diameter
50 cm
b) Show how to make four cuts to create
eight equal pieces for each cake.
c) Estimate and then calculate how much the
surface area increases after each cake is 8 cm
cut and the pieces are slightly separated.
60 cm
Extend
23. A swimming pool measures 25 m long and
20. Explain how surface area of individual
grains of rice may affect the boiling of a cup 10 m wide. It has a shallow end that is 1 m
of uncooked rice. Assume you have two deep and gradually slopes down to a depth
kinds of rice. One has small grains and the of 3 m at the deep end. The inside walls of
other has larger ones. Consider each grain of the pool need repainting. Calculate the total
rice to be cylindrical. area of the surfaces to be painted, to the
nearest square metre.
21. An elephant’s ears are one of nature’s best 25 m 10 m
examples of the importance of surface area 1m 3m
in heating and cooling. Research this
phenomenon or another one that interests
you. Write a brief report outlining the
importance of surface area in heating and
cooling. (Two other possible topics are why
radiators have complex internal shapes and
how a cactus minimizes surface area.)

Your design company wants to create a new product that will have a design
printed on it. Your project team has suggested playing cards, business cards,
memo pads, and sticky notes. Choose one of these items.
a) What are the dimensions of your pack of cards or pad of paper?
b) What is the surface area of your pack of cards or pad of paper?

1.3 Surface Area • MHR 35

 Chapter 1 Review
Key Words 9. Determine the coordinates of the image
of points A, B, C, D, E, and F after
For #1 to #6, choose the letter that best matches the
each transformation. Which of these
description.
transformations show symmetry?
1. another name for A line Describe the symmetry.
a reflection line B rotation a) a reflection in the y-axis
2. type of symmetry in C angle of rotation b) a translation R6, D3
which the shape can
D surface area
be divided into E
y
D4
reflected halves E line of symmetry
A F
3. what you are F order of rotation
2
measuring when you B C
find the area of all faces of an object
4. type of symmetry in which a shape can be -4 -2 2 4 x
turned to fit onto itself
5. number of times a shape fits onto itself in -2

one turn
6. amount of turn for a shape to rotate onto
itself 1.2 Rotation Symmetry and
Transformations, pages 16–25
1.1 Line Symmetry, pages 6–15 10. What is the order and angle of rotation
7. How many lines of symmetry does each symmetry for each shape? Express the angle
design have? Describe each possible line of in degrees and in fractions of a turn.
symmetry using the terms vertical, a) b)
horizontal, and oblique.
a) b)

11. Write a brief description of any symmetry

you can find in this square flag. Compare
your ideas with those of a classmate.
8. Half of a figure is drawn. The dashed line
represents the line of symmetry. Copy and
complete the figure on grid paper.
a) b)

36 MHR • Chapter 1
12. The arrangement of Ps has rotation 1.3 Surface Area, pages 26–35
symmetry, but no line symmetry. 15. The triangular prism
shown has one of its
P triangular ends placed
PP
PP
against a wall. By what
amount does this 7.8 cm 18 cm
P placement decrease the
9 cm
exposed surface area of
a) Show a way that you can arrange six Ps the prism?
to make a design that has both types of
symmetry. 16. Two blocks are placed one on top of
b) What letter(s) could you place in the the other.
original arrangement that would have 8 cm
both line and rotation symmetry?
18 cm
13. Examine the design
carefully. Does it have 3 cm
24 cm
rotation symmetry,
line symmetry, or 4 cm
both? Explain. 16 cm
a) What is the total surface area for each
of the blocks when separated?
b) What is the exposed surface area of the
stacked blocks?
14. Create a coordinate grid that will allow
you to do the transformations. Give the 17. Use centimetre cubes or interlocking cubes
coordinates for the image of points P, Q, to build the solids shown in the sketches.
R, U, V, and W. Are the original and each
image related by symmetry? If yes, which Object A Object B
type(s) of symmetry?
a) rotation counterclockwise 180° about the
origin
b) reflection in the x-axis
c) translation 7 units left
y a) What is the exposed surface area of
4 P Q
Object A?
W V b) What is the exposed surface area of
2
Object B?
U R c) What is the minimum exposed surface
-4 -2 0 2 4 x area for a new object formed by sliding
Object A against Object B? Do not lift
-2 them off the surface on which they are
placed.
-4

Chapter 1 Review • MHR 37

Chapter 1 Practice Test
For #1 to #4, choose the best answer. 4. Which figure has only one type of
1. Which design has rotation symmetry of symmetry?
order 2?
A B
A B
OHO
C D

C D
6119
5. The design has rotation symmetry.
2. How many lines of symmetry are possible
for the design?

A 0 B 1 C 2 D 4 a) Its order of rotation is .

b) The angle of rotation is  degrees.
3. Two prisms are shown.

Short Answer
10 cm 6. Use the upper case letters shown.
16 cm

12 cm 7 cm
9 cm
8 cm a) Which letters have line symmetry?
Imagine that the triangular prism is placed Indicate if each line of symmetry is
so that one triangular face is against the horizontal, vertical, or oblique.
9 cm by 16 cm face of the rectangular prism.
b) Which letters have rotation symmetry
How much less is the total surface area of
where the angle of rotation is 180°?
this composite object than when the two
objects are separated?
A 40 cm2 B 80 cm2
C 144 cm2 D 160 cm2

38 MHR • Chapter 1
7. A rectangular prism has a 1 cm cube cut Extended Response
out of each of its eight corners. One of the 9. Build rectangular prisms that each use
cutouts is shown. What is the ratio of the 36 one-centimetre cubes.
original surface area to the new surface
a) What are the dimensions of the
area? Explain.
rectangular prism that has the greatest
surface area?
5 cm
b) What are the dimensions of the
rectangular prism with the least
surface area?
c) What do you conclude from this?
7 cm
12 cm
10. Look at the stained glass window. Write two
paragraphs describing the symmetry in the
8. Imagine that the object is cut in half at the window. In the first paragraph, describe the
blue line. If the two pieces are separated, by line symmetry. In the second paragraph,
how much is the surface area of each half describe the rotation symmetry.
increased?
4 cm
5 cm

6 cm
5 cm
10 cm

You have been asked to present the product idea you developed in the Math Link in
section 1.3.
a) Include the design for the individual cards or pieces of paper with at least one
line of symmetry. Describe the type of symmetry your design exhibits.
b) Create a design for the cover of a box that will hold your product. This design
must exhibit rotational symmetry, and it may also exhibit line symmetry.
c) Write a description of the dimensions of a box needed to hold the deck of cards
or pad of paper. What are the dimensions and surface area of this box?
d) Your company also wants to explore the possibility of distributing a package
containing six boxes of your product, wrapped in plastic. What is the total surface
area of six individual boxes of your product? What would be the surface area of
six of these boxes wrapped together? Explain how you would package these so
that they would have the smallest surface area.

Chapter 1 Practice Test • MHR 39