Reflection Symmetry

Reflection symmetry, also known as line symmetry or mirror symmetry, is a property of a shape or an object which makes it look the same after a reflection. When a shape has reflection symmetry, it means that it can be divided into two halves that are mirror images of each other.

Characteristics of Reflection Symmetry

Here are some key characteristics of reflection symmetry:

• A shape has reflection symmetry if there is a line (known as the line of symmetry) such that when the shape is folded along that line, the two halves coincide perfectly.
• The line of symmetry is the line along which the shape can be folded to create two congruent halves.
• Shapes with reflection symmetry are often visually pleasing and appear balanced.

Examples of Reflection Symmetry

Some common examples of shapes with reflection symmetry include:

• Equilateral triangle
• Isosceles triangle
• Square
• Rectangle
• Diamond

Testing for Reflection Symmetry

To test if a shape has reflection symmetry, you can use the following steps:

1. Draw the shape on a piece of paper.
2. Identify a potential line of symmetry for the shape.
3. Fold the paper along the identified line of symmetry.
4. See if the two halves match up perfectly. If they do, the shape has reflection symmetry along that line.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about reflection symmetry:

• A shape has reflection symmetry if it can be divided into two congruent halves by a line of symmetry.
• The line of symmetry is the line along which the shape can be folded to create two identical halves.
• Many common geometric shapes exhibit reflection symmetry.
• You can test for reflection symmetry by folding the shape along a potential line of symmetry.

Practice identifying reflection symmetry in different shapes and objects to strengthen your understanding of this concept.

[Reflection Symmetry] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• SymmetryMathematics • First Grade