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Shape and Space in Geometry
IntroductionAbout ShapeAbout Space
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Four Kinds of Symmetry

Each of the four kinds of symmetry used here is named for a letter to help you remember what it is.

H symmetry.

The right side is a
mirror image of the
left, and the top
is a mirror of the
bottom. The letters
O and X also have
H symmetry.

M symmetry.

The right side is a mirror image of the left, but the top is not a mirror of the bottom. The letters A and V also have M symmetry.

 

S symmetry.

There are no lines of
mirror symmetry, but
the figure is the same
if you rotate it 180
degrees. The letters
N and Z also have
S symmetry.

B symmetry.

The top is a mirror image of the bottom, but the right side is not a mirror of the left. The letters C and E also have B symmetry.


Notice that the quilt blocks do not necessarily look like the letters—they only have the same symmetry.

Now it's your turn. Try to match quilt blocks by choosing a symmetry first. Go!

  
 
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