Understanding Tessellations

Front

What is a tessellation?

Back

A tessellation (or tiling) is a pattern of flat shapes that fit perfectly together to cover a surface without overlaps or gaps.

Front

What are the three regular tessellations?

Back

The three regular tessellations are triangles, squares, and hexagons.

Front

What is a vertex in the context of tessellations?

Back

A vertex is a 'corner point' where shapes meet.

Front

What is a semi-regular tessellation?

Back

A semi-regular tessellation is made of two or more regular polygons, with the same pattern at each vertex.

Front

How do you name a tessellation?

Back

To name a tessellation, go around a vertex and write down how many sides each polygon has in order, starting with the polygon with the least number of sides.

Front

What is the significance of World Tessellation Day?

Back

World Tessellation Day is celebrated on June 17.

Front

What are some examples of semi-regular tessellations?

Back

Examples include 3.3.3.3.6, 3.3.3.4.4, 3.3.4.3.4, 3.4.6.4, 3.6.3.6, 3.12.12, 4.6.12, and 4.8.8.

Front

What happens to one of the tessellation patterns when a mirror image is made?

Back

One of the tessellation patterns becomes different when a mirror image is made, but the specific pattern is not identified in the text.

Front

What are 'demiregular' tessellations?

Back

Demiregular tessellations are a type of tessellation that mathematicians disagree on regarding their definition.

Front

Can tessellations include shapes other than polygons?

Back

Yes, some tessellations can include curved shapes, such as circles.