A figure has reflection symmetry if it looks the same reflected on either side of a line. This line is called a line of symmetry. This symmetry is sometimes called line or mirror symmetry. Let's look at a few examples. Work through the following tabs to see some images that have reflection symmetry.
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
The image above is of a dog. If you take a close look at the image, can you see a line of symmetry that could be drawn that would produce reflection symmetry?
This image can be split in two by drawing the line of symmetry above. The left and right sides are mirror images of each other.
The chocolate A above needs to be split in two equal pieces. Can you think of a way that reflection symmetry might be able to help?
You can split the chocolate A using the line of symmetry above. This way, you and your friend will get equal pieces.
We just learned that the star above has rotational symmetry, but does it also have reflection symmetry? If so, how many lines of symmetry does it have? Think about this question and draw some possible lines of symmetry.
This star has five lines of symmetry. Any of these lines will form mirror images on the left and right hand side of the line.
