Mathematical Investigation

Title: Exploring Mathematical Concepts through Investigation

Objective:

The project aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by

engaging students in a structured mathematical investigation. Students will identify patterns,

formulate conjectures, and validate mathematical ideas through logical reasoning and

exploration.

1. TOPIC: Symmetry of Geometric Figures

Rationale:

The purpose of this mathematical investigation is to explore the relationship between the

number of sides of a regular polygon and the number of lines of symmetry. Symmetry in

geometric figures is a fundamental concept that examines how a shape can be divided into two

identical halves. Many students find it challenging to visualize and understand different types of

symmetry and to identify patterns in the number of lines of symmetry for various polygons.

Investigating this relationship helps us identify and describe if there is a pattern or rule that

connects the number of sides of a regular polygon to the number of lines of symmetry and how

symmetry is determined by the shape of the polygon.

This investigation is significant because understanding symmetry can enhance students'

spatial reasoning and recognition of symmetrical patterns in both mathematical and real-world

contexts. It has practical applications in fields such as design, architecture, and art. The approach

involves identifying different regular polygons, determining the number of lines of symmetry for

each polygon using geometric tools and visual aids, and analyzing the data to find patterns or

relationships. This systematic exploration aims to provide a clearer understanding of geometric

symmetry and contribute to the broader field of geometric research.

 2. INVESTIGATIVE QUESTION: What is the relationship between the number of sides

of a regular polygon and the number of lines of symmetry?

3. RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION

Symmetry Definition

A shape is said to be symmetric if it can be divided into two more identical pieces which are

placed in an organized way. For example, when you are told to cut out a ‘heart’ from a piece of

paper, you simply fold the paper, draw one-half of the heart at the fold and cut it out to find that

the other half exactly matches the first half. The heart carved out is an example of symmetry.

Similarly, a regular pentagon when divided as shown in the image below, has one part

symmetrical to the other.

Symmetry in Real Life

We often come across symmetry in nature. For example, the wings of a butterfly, a star fish,

feathers of a peacock hives of honeybees, or snowflakes are symmetric by nature. There is also

symmetry in the English alphabet.

Line of Symmetry

The line of symmetry is a line that divides an object into two identical pieces. Here, we have a
star and we can fold it into two equal halves. When a figure is folded in half, along its line of
symmetry, both the halves match each other exactly. This line of symmetry is called the axis of
symmetry.

The line of symmetry can be categorized based on its orientation as:

 Vertical Line of Symmetry

 Horizontal Line of Symmetry
 Diagonal Line of Symmetry

Vertical Line of Symmetry

A vertical line of symmetry is that line that runs down vertically, divides an image into two
identical halves. For example, the following shape can be split into two identical halves by a
standing straight line. In such a case, the line of symmetry is vertical.

Horizontal Line of Symmetry

The horizontal line of symmetry divides a shape into identical halves, when split horizontally,
i.e., cut from right to left or vice-versa. For example, the following shape can be split into two
equal halves when cut horizontally. In such a case, the line of symmetry is horizontal.
Diagonal Line of Symmetry

A diagonal line of symmetry divides a shape into identical halves when split across
the diagonal corners. For example, we can split the following square shape across the corners to
form two identical halves. In such a case, the line of symmetry is diagonal.

A line of symmetry is an axis along which an object when cut, will have identical halves. These

objects might have one, two, or multiple lines of symmetry.

Types of Symmetry

1. Translation Symmetry

If an object is moved from one position to another, with the same orientation in the forward and
backward motion, it is called translational symmetry. In other words, translation symmetry is
defined as the sliding of an object about an axis. For example, the following figure, where the
shape is moved forward and backward in the same orientation by keeping the fixed axis, depicts
translational symmetry.

2. Rotational Symmetry

When an object is rotated in a particular direction, around a point, then it is known as rotational
symmetry, also known as radial symmetry. Rotational symmetry exists when a shape is turned,
and the shape is identical to the origin. The angle of rotational symmetry is the smallest angle at
which the figure can be rotated to coincide with itself and the order of symmetry is how the
object coincides with itself when it is in rotation.

The following image shows how the structure of a starfish follows rotational symmetry. If you
turn or rotate the starfish about point P, it will still look the same from all directions

3. Reflexive Symmetry
Reflective symmetry, also called mirror symmetry, is a type of symmetry where one half of the
object reflects the other half of the object. For example, in general, human faces are identical on
the left and right sides.

The following table shows the examples for

different shapes with the number of lines of symmetry that they have.
 Based on the exploration of symmetry in geometric figures, particularly regular polygons,
we can identify a clear pattern. When examining regular polygons such as equilateral triangles,
squares, pentagons, hexagons, and so forth, we observe a direct relationship between the number
of sides and the number of lines of symmetry.

Conjecture: For any regular polygon, the number of lines of symmetry is equal to the
number of sides of the polygon.

Test and Validate

To verify our conjecture that the number of lines of symmetry in a regular polygon is equal to the
number of its sides, we will use examples, logical reasoning, and mathematical proofs.

Examples:

1. Equilateral Triangle (3 sides):

Each side of the equilateral triangle has an angle of 60 degrees. Drawing a line
from any vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side creates a line of symmetry.
This can be repeated for all three vertices, resulting in 3 lines of symmetry.

Validation: Number of sides = 3,

Number of lines of symmetry = 3

2. Square (4 sides):

A square has 90-degree angles. Drawing a line from the midpoint of one side to
the midpoint of the opposite side creates a line of symmetry. This can be done for
both pairs of opposite sides, and similarly, lines can be drawn connecting opposite
vertices.
Validation: Number of sides = 4,

Number of lines of symmetry = 4

3. Regular Pentagon (5 sides):

Each internal angle of a regular pentagon is 108 degrees. Drawing lines from each vertex
to the midpoint of the opposite side creates lines of symmetry. This results in 5 lines of
symmetry.

Validation: Number of sides = 5

Number of lines of symmetry = 5

4. Regular Hexagon (6 sides):

 Each internal angle of a regular hexagon is 120 degrees. Lines of symmetry can be drawn
through opposite vertices and midpoints of opposite sides, resulting in 6 lines of
symmetry.

Validation: Number of sides = 6

Number of lines of symmetry = 6

Logical Reasoning:

Regular polygons have equal side lengths and equal angles, making them highly symmetrical.
The symmetry of a regular polygon allows us to draw lines that divide the figure into identical
halves. Each side of the polygon can be matched perfectly with its opposite counterpart, and the
same applies to vertices and midpoints. Hence, a regular polygon with n sides will have n lines
of symmetry.

Mathematical Proof:

Statement: For any regular polygon, the number of lines of symmetry is equal to the number of
sides of the polygon.

Definitions:

 Regular Polygon - A polygon with all sides and all interior angles equal.
 Line of Symmetry - A line that divides a shape into two congruent parts, each a mirror
image of the other.
 Axiom of Symmetry: A regular polygon is symmetric with respect to its center

Theorem:
A regular n-sided polygon has n lines of symmetry.
Proof:

1. Symmetry through Vertices:

 Consider a regular n-sided polygon (e.g., equilateral triangle, square, pentagon,

hexagon).
 Each vertex of the polygon is equidistant from the center.
 By Axiom of symmetry, if we draw lines from any vertex to the midpoint of the
opposite side (or through the center for even-sided polygons), these lines will
divide the polygon into two congruent halves.
 For a polygon with n vertices, there will be n such lines.

2. Example Cases:
 Equilateral Triangle (3 sides): Each line of symmetry passes through a vertex
and the midpoint of the opposite side, resulting in 3 lines of symmetry.

 Square (4 sides):Two lines of symmetry pass through the midpoints of opposite

sides, and two pass through opposite vertices, resulting in 4 lines of symmetry.

 Regular Pentagon (5 sides): Each line of symmetry passes through a vertex and
the midpoint of the opposite side, resulting in 5 lines of symmetry.
  Regular Hexagon (6 sides): Three lines of symmetry pass through opposite
vertices, and three pass through the midpoints of opposite sides, resulting in 6
lines of symmetry

General Case:

 For an n-sided regular polygon, the lines of symmetry can either connect opposite
vertices or pass through the midpoints of opposite sides.
 Since each vertex and side contributes to the symmetry, the number of lines of
symmetry will always match the number of sides.

CONCLUSION

Through our exploration, we established that the number of lines of symmetry in a

regular polygon is equal to the number of its sides. This relationship was confirmed through

logical reasoning, geometric illustrations, and mathematical proof. For example, an equilateral

triangle, square, regular pentagon, and regular hexagon each have lines of symmetry equal to

their number of sides. This theorem highlights the inherent symmetry in regular polygons, which

is crucial for understanding geometric properties and has practical applications in fields such as

design, architecture, and problem-solving. Symmetry simplifies complex problems, making it a

fundamental concept in mathematics education and various scientific disciplines. Understanding

and recognizing symmetry not only enriches our knowledge of geometry but also enhances our

appreciation of its applications in real-world scenarios.

REFERENCE

Symmetry - Definition, Types, Line of Symmetry in Geometry and Examples. Retrieved

from Byju's Website. https://byjus.com/maths/symmetry/

Symmetry - Line of Symmetry in Geometry. Retrieved from Math is Fun Website

https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/symmetry-line-plane-shapes.html

Lines of symmetry: How to recognize lines of symmetry in shapes. Retrieved from BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/ztj6s82#z27hfdm