What Are Symmetric Figures Definition Types And Easy Examples For Kids
What is your favourite snack? Or, what did you eat for breakfast? A sandwich.
A Veg sandwich - Symmetric figures
Did your sandwich look the same as shown in the above figure? Probably your’s was filled with a different filling. But, here the point is to be focused on the shape of the sandwich. Both the parts of the sandwich are similar in looks and shape. And, if you put one part over another, then only the height will increase nothing else. Isn't it? So, both the parts are called symmetric.
What Are Symmetric Figures?
If we cut an object into two parts such that both are equal in size and shape, then the obtained figures are called symmetric figures. If we put a mirror in front of a part then we can see the complete image of the object. The object and the reflection of an image are identical in shape and size. The line at which we cut an object to obtain symmetric images, is called the ‘line of symmetry’.
How to Check If a Figure Is a ‘Symmetric Figure’ or Not?
To check whether the given figure or object is symmetric or not, we divide an object into two parts, keeping in mind that the division line passes from its centre. Then, we put one part over another. If there is no difference in the shape, then the figure is a ‘symmetric figure’, else it is called a ‘non-symmetric figure’ or asymmetrical figure.
Line of Symmetry
The line of symmetry is the line that divides the object into two equal parts. An object can have one or more lines of symmetry. If an object or figure does not have any line of symmetry then it is called an asymmetric object or figure.
Here are some examples of symmetric figures with their line of symmetry:
1. Object of Only One Line Symmetry
If there is only one line by which we can divide an object into two equal parts, it is called an object of one line of symmetry. Some English alphabets that show the symmetry of one line are shown in the below figure.
Examples of one line of symmetry
2. Object of Two Lines of Symmetry
If the object has two lines of symmetry i.e., there are two ways to fold a figure and obtain symmetric images, then the object is called an object of two lines of symmetry. A rectangle has two lines of symmetry.
Examples of the figures shows two lines of symmetry
3. Object of Three Lines of Symmetry
An equilateral triangle has three lines of symmetry, these lines are along its three medians.
Object of Three Lines of Symmetry
4. Object of Four Lines of Symmetry
Square has an object that has four lines of symmetry. These lines are vertical and horizontal axis passes by its centre, whereas two other lines of symmetry are its diagonals.
Rectangle has two lines of symmetry
Do You Know?
A circle has an infinite number of lines of symmetry.
A sunflower also shows symmetry.
A kite that has four sides has only one line of symmetry.
A Task for You!
Count the number of lines of symmetry in a sunflower, and ask your parents or teachers whether you are right or not.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learnt about symmetric figures and lines of symmetry. A figure has one or more symmetry lines, but some figures that do not show any line of symmetry are known as asymmetrical.
Many geometrical figures have more than four lines of symmetry. Can you name them? Yes, a regular pentagon, regular hexagon and so on. If you enjoyed learning about this interesting Maths concept, visit our website to access more of such articles.
FAQs on Symmetric Figures For Kids Explained Simply
1. What are symmetric figures for kids?
A symmetric figure is a shape that can be folded into two identical halves that match exactly. In simple terms, both sides look the same when divided by a line called the line of symmetry.
- If you fold the shape along the line of symmetry, both halves overlap perfectly.
- Examples include a square, rectangle, circle, and butterfly shape.
- Symmetry helps children understand balance and shape properties in geometry.
2. What is a line of symmetry?
A line of symmetry is a line that divides a shape into two equal and mirror-image halves. When the shape is folded along this line, both parts match exactly.
- It can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
- Some shapes have one line of symmetry, while others have more.
- For example, a rectangle has 2 lines of symmetry.
3. How do you find the line of symmetry of a shape?
To find the line of symmetry, divide the shape so that both sides are equal mirror images. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Look at the shape carefully.
- Step 2: Imagine folding it in half.
- Step 3: Check if both halves match exactly.
- If they match, the fold line is the line of symmetry.
4. Which shapes have symmetry?
Many basic geometric shapes have symmetry, meaning they can be divided into equal mirror halves. Common examples include:
- Circle – infinite lines of symmetry
- Square – 4 lines of symmetry
- Rectangle – 2 lines of symmetry
- Equilateral triangle – 3 lines of symmetry
5. Does a circle have a line of symmetry?
Yes, a circle has infinitely many lines of symmetry. Any line drawn through the center of the circle divides it into two equal halves.
- Every diameter is a line of symmetry.
- No matter which direction you draw the line through the center, both halves match.
6. How many lines of symmetry does a square have?
A square has 4 lines of symmetry. These include:
- 1 vertical line through the center
- 1 horizontal line through the center
- 2 diagonal lines from corner to corner
7. What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric figures?
A symmetric figure can be divided into two identical mirror halves, while an asymmetric figure cannot. The key difference is the presence of a line of symmetry.
- Symmetric: Square, circle, equilateral triangle
- Asymmetric: Scalene triangle, irregular shapes
- Symmetric shapes look balanced; asymmetric shapes do not split evenly.
8. Can you give an example of symmetry in real life?
A common real-life example of symmetry is a butterfly, whose wings are mirror images on both sides. Other examples include:
- Human face (approximately symmetric)
- Leaves
- Snowflakes
- Buildings with balanced design
9. How many lines of symmetry does a rectangle have?
A rectangle has 2 lines of symmetry. These are:
- 1 vertical line through the center
- 1 horizontal line through the center
10. Why is symmetry important in Maths for kids?
Symmetry is important in Maths because it helps children understand shape properties, balance, and geometry concepts. Learning about symmetric figures helps kids:
- Recognize patterns
- Understand mirror images
- Improve spatial thinking skills
- Prepare for advanced topics like transformations and reflections
