Investigate symmetry and symmetrical patterns | Maths

Starter quiz

This line of symmetry is __________.
- horizontal
- diagonal ✓
- vertical
True or false. This shape has been correctly reflected in a diagonal line of symmetry.
- True
- False ✓
Which image shows an incorrect reflection?
- a)
- b) ✓
- c)
Look at these shapes that have been reflected. Both shapes are __________.
- pentagons
- hexagons ✓
- octagons
Look at these shapes that have been reflected. Both shapes are __________.
- trapeziums ✓
- parallelograms
- pentagons
This shape has been reflected in a diagonal line of symmetry. The new shape is a __________.
- rhombus
- kite ✓
- trapezium

Rectangles have __________ lines of symmetry. Tick all that apply.
- horizontal ✓
- diagonal
- vertical ✓
Both flags have one line of symmetry. In which direction is the line of symmetry?
- a)
  
  ⇔
  
  vertical ✓
- b)
  
  ⇔
  
  horizontal ✓
How many lines of symmetry does this flag have?
- 0 ✓
- 1
- 2
- 4
This flag has ______ lines of symmetry.
- '2' ✓
True or false. This pattern has two lines of symmetry.
- True
- False ✓
Which of the patterns has two lines of symmetry?
- a)
- b) ✓
- c)

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There are lots of real life examples where you can find lines of symmetry, for example in flags.
When a pattern is symmetrical, you can fold along its line of symmetry and the two halves will match exactly.

Children may think that a rectangular flag has diagonal lines of symmetry.

Allow children to cut out and fold the flags to help them see that a rectangle does not have any diagonal lines of symmetry.

Symmetrical - When a shape, pattern or image has two halves that match exactly when folded, it can be described as symmetrical.
Line of symmetry - If you were to fold a shape at its line of symmetry, both halves would match exactly.
Reflect - When you reflect a shape, you flip it over a mirror line or line of symmetry without turning it or changing the size.