10

CHAPTER
Transformations
and congruence

Congruent triangles in architecture and design

Geometry has been the cornerstone of building in Melbourne’s CBD. The building project took
design from ancient times. Angles and symmetry 3 years and opened in October 2002. It covers
are used to create strength and interest. Modern 3.8 hectares above a section of Melbourne’s
architects incorporate many geometrical ideas railway system.
into new public buildings and private residences.
The modular system used in the design of the
Competitions are often held for architects to show
façade is made up of five congruent triangles, joined
their vision for public spaces, and also display their
together to form a pinwheel grid. Five of these
unique design perspectives.
panels are then joined together to form a large,
In 1996 the Victorian government ran a competition super panel which you can see in the structural
which lead to the construction of Federation Square frame of the outside of the buildings.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 Online resources
A host of additional online resources are
included as part of your Interactive Textbook,
including HOTmaths content, video
demonstrations of all worked examples,
auto-marked quizzes and much more.

In this chapter

10A Reflection
10B Translation
10C Rotation
10D Congruent figures
10E Congruent triangles
10F Tessellations
10G Congruence and quadrilaterals
10H Similar figures (EXTENDING)
10I Similar triangles (EXTENDING)

Victorian Curriculum

MEASUREMENT AND GEOMETRY

Geometric reasoning

Define congruence of plane shapes using

transformations and use transformations
of congruent shapes to produce regular
patterns in the plane including tessellations
with and without the use of digital
technology (VCMMG291)
Develop the conditions for congruence of
triangles (VCMMG292)
Establish properties of quadrilaterals using
congruent triangles and angle properties,
and solve related numerical problems using
Federation Square displays the clever use of the reasoning (VCMMG293)
geometry of shapes and different surfaces to create © VCAA
a space that, while different in each section, has an
overall cohesion to it. This architecture has created
an iconic tourist attraction and a usable space for
the people of Melbourne.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 636 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

10A Reflection
Learning intentions
• To know the meaning of the terms transformation, reflection, symmetry and image
• To understand that an object can be reflected over a line and that this is an isometric transformation (that is,
the geometric properties are unchanged)
• To be able to draw the image of a point or shape that is reflected in a mirror line
• To understand that lines of symmetry are the mirror lines that reflect a shape directly onto itself

When an object is shifted from one position to another,

rotated about a point, reflected over a line or enlarged by
a scale factor, we say the object has been transformed.
The names of these types of transformations are
reflection, translation, rotation and dilation.

The first three of these transformations are called

isometric transformations because the object’s
geometric properties are unchanged and the transformed
object will be congruent to the original object. The word
‘isometric’ comes from the Greek words isos meaning The transformation of lines and shapes occurs in
‘equal’ and metron meaning ‘measure’. Dilation architecture, engineering, surveying, physics, and urban
and graphic design. To design these twin towers in
(or enlargement) results in a change in the size
Bahrain, architects reflected the first design across a
of an object to produce a ‘similar’ figure and this vertical line, creating a mirror image.
will be studied later in this chapter. The first listed
transformation, reflection, can be thought of as the
creation of an image over a mirror line.

LESSON STARTER Visualising the image

This activity could be done individually by hand on a page, in a group using a white board or using
interactive geometry projected onto a white board.

• Draw any shape with straight sides.

• Draw a vertical or horizontal mirror line outside the shape.
• Try to draw the reflected image
of the shape in the mirror line.
• If interactive geometry is used,
reveal the precise image (the
answer) using the Reflection
tool to check your result.
• For a further challenge, redraw
or drag the mirror line so it is
not horizontal or vertical. Then
try to draw the image.

Interactive geometry software provides a reflection tool.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10A Reflection 637

KEY IDEAS
■ Reflection is an isometric transformation in which the size of the
object is unchanged. A A′

■ The image of a point A is denoted A′.

■ Each point is reflected at right angles to the mirror line.

C B B′ C′
■ The distance from a point A to the mirror line is equal to the distance
from the image point A′ to the mirror line.

■ Lines of symmetry are mirror lines that result in an image being

reflected onto itself.
For example: A square has four lines of symmetry.

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 Use the grid to precisely reflect each shape in the given mirror line.
a b

c d

e f

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 638 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Example 1 Drawing reflected images

Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image over the given mirror line.
a A B b C

A B
E D

SO L U T IO N EXPL AN ATION
a A B B′ A′ Reflect each vertex point at right angles to the
mirror line. Join the image points to form the
C final image.
C′

E D D′ E′

b C Reflect points A, B and C at right angles to the

mirror line to form A′, B′ and C ′. Note that
A′ is in the same position as A as it is on the
B′ mirror line. Join the image points to form the
image triangle.
A
A′ B C′

Now you try

Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image over the given mirror line.
a A b A
B

B C
C

E D

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10A Reflection 639

Example 2 Using coordinates to draw reflections

State the coordinates of the vertices A′, B′ and C ′ y

after this triangle is reflected in the given axes.
4
a x-axis B
3
b y-axis C
2
1
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O A1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

SOLUTION EXPLA NATION

a A′ = (1, 0) y
B′ = (2, −3)
4
C ′ = (4, −2) B′ B
3
b A′ = (−1, 0) C′ C
b 2
B′ = (−2, 3) 1
C ′ = (−4, 2) A x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
a
−2 C′
−3
B′
−4

Now you try

State the coordinates of the vertices A′, B′ and C ′ y
after this triangle is reflected in the given axes. 4
a x-axis B
3
b y-axis 2
A
1 C
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 640 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Exercise 10A
FLUENCY 1–5 2, 3, 4(1/2), 5, 6 3–4(1/2), 5, 6

1 Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image over the given mirror line.
Example 1a a i ii

Example 1b b i ii

Example 1a 2 Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image over the given mirror line.
a b

c d

Example 1b 3 Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image over the given mirror line.
a b

c d

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10A Reflection 641

4 Copy the diagram and accurately locate and draw the mirror line.
a b c

d e f

Example 2 5 State the coordinates of the vertices A′, B′ and C ′ y

after this triangle is reflected in the given axes.
4
a x-axis B
3
b y-axis C
2
1
A x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

Example 2 6 State the coordinates of the vertices A′, B′, C ′ and D′ y

after this rectangle is reflected in the given axes.
a x-axis 4
b y-axis 3
2
1
x
−4 −3 −2 −1 O 1 2 3 4
−1
B A
−2
−3
−4
C D

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 642 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

PROBLEM-SOLVING 7 7, 8(1/2) 7, 8(1/2)

7 How many lines of symmetry do these shapes have?

a b c

Rectangle
Rhombus
Square

d e f

Parallelogram
Trapezium
Kite

g h i

Isosceles triangle
Equilateral triangle
Regular octagon
8 A point (2, 4) is reflected in the given horizontal or y
vertical line. State the coordinates of the image point. (2, 4)
4
As an example, the graph of the mirror lines x = 1
3
and y = −2 are shown here.
2
The mirror lines are: 1
a x=1 b x=3 c x=0 x
d x = −1 e x = −4 f x = −20 −4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
g y=3 h y = −2 i y=0 −2 y = −2
j y=1 k y = −5 l y = −37 −3
−4
x =1

REASONING 9, 11 9–11 11–13

9 A shape with area 10 m2 is reflected in a line. What is the area of the image shape? Give a reason for
your answer.

10 How many lines of symmetry does a regular polygon with n sides have? Write an expression.

11 A point is reflected in the x-axis then in the y-axis and finally in the x-axis again. What single reflection
could replace all three reflections?

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10A Reflection 643

12 Two important lines of reflection on the coordinate plane y y=x

are the line y = x and the line y = −x as shown.
a Draw the coordinate plane shown here. Draw a
triangle with vertices A(−1, 1), B(−1, 3) and C(0, 3).
Then complete these reflections.
i Reflect triangle ABC in the y-axis.
ii Reflect triangle ABC in the x-axis. x
O
iii Reflect triangle ABC in the line y = x.
iv Reflect triangle ABC in the line y = −x.
b Draw a coordinate plane and a rectangle with
vertices A(−2, 0), B(−1, 0), C(−1, −3) and
D(−2, −3). Then complete these reflections. y = −x
i Reflect rectangle ABCD in the y-axis.
ii Reflect rectangle ABCD in the x-axis.
iii Reflect rectangle ABCD in the line y = x.
iv Reflect rectangle ABCD in the line y = −x.

13 Points are reflected in a mirror line but do not change position. Describe the position of these points in
relation to the mirror line.

ENRICHMENT: Reflection through a point – – 14

14 Rather than completing a reflection in a line, it is possible to reflect an B′ A′

C
object through a point. An example of a reflection through point P is
shown here. A goes to A′, B goes to B′ and C goes to C ′ all through P.
a Draw and reflect these shapes through the point P.
i P
ii iii

P P
P
C′
A B
b Like line symmetry, shapes can have point symmetry if they can be
reflected onto themselves through a point. Decide if these shapes have any point symmetry.
i ii iii

c How many special quadrilaterals can you name that have point symmetry?

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 644 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

10B Translation
Learning intentions
• To understand that an object can be translated (moved) up, down, left or right
• To be able to determine the vector that moves a given point to its image
• To be able to draw the image of an object after it has been translated by a vector

Translation is a shift of every point on an object in a

given direction and by the same distance. The direction
and distance is best described by the use of a translation
vector. This vector describes the overall direction using
a horizontal component (for shifts left and right) and a
vertical component (for shifts up and down). Negative
numbers are used for translations to the left and down.

Designers of animated movies translate images in

many of their scenes. Computer software is used and
Surveyors map the precise placement of each house for
translation vectors help to define the specific movement legal ownership records. A certain house plan can be
of the objects and characters on the screen. reflected or translated or rotated onto various blocks,
making congruent houses, with matching sides and
angles equal.

LESSON STARTER Which is further?

Consider this shape on the grid. The shape is translated by the
3
vector (3, −2) , which moves it 3 to the right and down 2.
2
Now consider the shape being translated by these different vectors.
a (3, −3) b (−1, −4) c (5, 0) d (−2, 4)
• By drawing and looking at the image from each translation,
which vector do you think takes the shape furthest from its
original position?
• Is there a way that you can calculate the exact distance? How?

KEY IDEAS
■ Translation is an isometric transformation that involves a shift by a given distance in a given
direction.

■ A vector (x, y) is used to describe the distance and direction of a translation.

For example:
Vector (2, 3) Vector (−1, 4)

Right 2 Down 3 Left 1 Up 4

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10B Translation 645

• If x is positive you shift to the right.

• If x is negative you shift to the left.
• If y is positive you shift up.
• If y is negative you shift down.

■ The image of a point A is denoted A'.

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 Choose one of the words left, right, up or down to complete these sentences.
a The vector (2, 4) means to move 2 units to the _______ and 4 units _______.
b The vector (−5, 6) means to move 5 units to the _______ and 6 units _______.
c The vector (3, −1) means to move 3 units to the _______ and 1 unit _______.
d The vector (−10, −12) means to move 10 units to the _______ and 12 units _______.
2 Give the vector (x, y) that describes these transformations.
a 5 units to the right and 2 units down
b 2 units to the left and 6 units down
c 7 units to the left and 4 units up
d 9 units to the right and 17 units up
3 Decide if these vectors describe a vertical translation or a horizontal translation.
a (2, 0) b (0, 7) c (0, −4) d (−6, 0)

Example 3 Finding the translation vector

State the translation vector that moves the point A(−1, 3) to A′(2, 0).
y
A
3
2
1
A′ x
−1−1O 1 2 3

SOLUTION EXPLA NATION

(3, −3) To shift A to A′ move 3 units to the right and
3 units down.

Continued on next page

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 646 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Now you try

State the translation vector that moves the point A(1, 3) to A′(–2, 1).
y

3 A
2
A′
1
x
−3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3
−2

Example 4 Drawing images using translation

Draw the image of the triangle ABC after a translation by the vector (−3, 2).
y

3
2
1
A C x
O
−3 −2 −1−1 3
−2
B
−3

SO L U T IO N EXPL ANATION
y First translate each vertex A, B and C 3 spaces
to the left, and then 2 spaces up.
3
A′ C′
2
1
A C x
B′ −1 O 3
−1
−2
B
−3

Now you try

Draw the image of the triangle ABC (shown in the Example above) after a translation by the vector (2, 1).

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10B Translation 647

Exercise 10B
FLUENCY 1, 2–3(1/2) 2–4(1/2) 2–4(1/3)

Example 3 1 State the translation vector that moves: y

a A to A′
A
b B to B′ 2
1 A′
B x
−2 −1−1O 1 2
B′ −2

Example 3 2 Write the vector that takes each point to its image. Use a grid to help you.
a A(2, 3) to A′(3, 2) b B(1, 4) to B ′(4, 3) c C(−2, 4) to C ′(0, 2)
d D(−3, 1) to D ′(−1, −3) e E(−2, −4) to E ′(1, 3) f F(1, −3) to F ′(−2, 2)
g G(0, 3) to G′(2, 0) h H(−3, 5) to H′(0, 0) i I(5, 2) to I ′(−15, 10)

Example 4 3 Copy the diagrams and draw the image of the shapes translated by the given vectors.
a Vector (2, 3) b Vector (4, −2) c Vector (−3, 1)
y y y

x x x

d Vector (0, −3) e Vector (−4, −1) f Vector (−3, 0)

y y y

x x x

4 Write the coordinates of the image of the point A(13, −1) after a translation by the given vectors.
a (2, 3) b (8, 0) c (0, 7)
d (−4, 3) e (−2, −1) f (−10, 5)
g (−2, −8) h (6, −9) i (12, −3)
j (−26, 14) k (−4, 18) l (−21, −38)

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 648 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

PROBLEM-SOLVING 5, 6 5, 6 6, 7

5 Which vector from each set takes an object the greatest distance from its original position? You may
need to draw diagrams to help, but you should not need to calculate distances.
a (−1, 3), (0, 3), (7, 0) b (−1, −4), (4, 0), (0, 3)

6 A car makes its way around city streets following these vectors:
(2, 3), (−5, 1), (3, −3) and (−2, −4)
a What single vector would describe all these vectors combined?
b What vector takes the car back to the origin (0, 0), assuming it started at the origin?

7 A point undergoes the following multiple translations with these given vectors. State the value of x and y
of the vector that would take the image back to its original position.
a (3, 4), (−1, −2), (x, y) b (2, 5), (−7, 2), (−1, −3), (x, y)
c (0, 4), (7, 0), (−4, −6), (x, y) d (−4, 20), (12, 0), (−36, 40), (x, y)

REASONING 8 8 8, 9

8 A reverse vector takes a point in the reverse direction by the same distance. Write the reverse vectors
of these vectors.
a (3, −2) b (−5, 0) c (x, y) d (−x, −y)

9 These translation vectors are performed on a shape in succession (one after the other). What is a single
vector that would complete all transformations for each part in one go?
a (2, 1), (−3, −4), (0, 3) b (6, 4), (6, −2), (−11, 0) c (a, b), (c, −a), (−a, a − c)

ENRICHMENT: How many options for the rabbit? – – 10

10 Hunters spot a rabbit on open ground and the rabbit has 1 second to find Hole
a hole before getting into big trouble with the hunter’s gun. It can run a
maximum of 5 metres in one second.
a Use Pythagoras’ theorem to check that the distance x m in this diagram xm 4m
is less than 5 m.
b The rabbit runs a distance and direction described by the translation
vector (−4, 3). Is the rabbit in trouble? Rabbit
2m
c The rabbit’s initial position is (0, 0) and there are rabbit holes at every
point that has integers as its coordinates, for example, (2, 3) and (−4, 1). How many rabbit holes
can it choose from to avoid the hunter before its 1 second is up? Draw a diagram to help illustrate
your working.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10C Rotation 649

10C Rotation
Learning intentions
• To understand that an object can be rotated about a given centre point by an angle in a clockwise or
anticlockwise direction
• To understand the order of rotational symmetry is the number of times that the shape’s image will be an
exact copy of the shape in a 360° rotation
• To be able to find the order of rotational symmetry of a given shape
• To be able to draw the result of a rotation

When the arm of a crane moves left, right, up or down, it undergoes a rotation about a fixed point. This
type of movement is a transformation called a rotation. The pivot point on a crane represents the centre of
rotation and all other points on the crane’s arm move around this point by the same angle in a circular arc.

Marine engineers use rotation to design and build ship propellers. In a

4-blade propeller, each blade is rotated 90° about the centre, from adjacent
blades. In operation, rotational forces cause the water to propel the ship
forward.

LESSON STARTER Parallelogram centre of rotation

This activity will need a pencil, paper, ruler and scissors.

• Accurately draw a large parallelogram on a separate piece of paper and cut it out.
• Place the tip of a pencil at any point on the parallelogram and spin the shape
around the pencil.
• At what position do you put the pencil tip to produce the largest circular arc?
• At what position do you put the pencil tip to produce the smallest circular arc?
• Can you rotate the shape by an angle of less than 360° so that it exactly covers the area of the shape in
its original position? Where would you put the pencil to illustrate this?

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 650 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

KEY IDEAS
■ Rotation is an isometric transformation about a centre point Y′
and by a given angle.
Z
■ An object can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise .
Y
■ Each point is rotated on a circular arc about the centre of X
Z′ X′
rotation C. C
For example: This diagram shows a 90° anticlockwise rotation
about the point C.

■ A shape has rotational symmetry if it can be rotated about

a centre point to produce an exact copy covering the entire area
of the original shape.
• The number of times the shape can make an exact copy in a
360° rotation is called the order of rotational symmetry. If 3 1
the order of rotational symmetry is 1, then it is said that the
shape has no rotational symmetry.
For example: This equilateral triangle has rotational
symmetry of order 3.
2

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 Point A has been rotated to its image point A′. For each part state whether the point has been
rotated clockwise or anticlockwise and by how many degrees it has been rotated.
a A′ b A′ C c C
A′
C A A A

d e A f A′

A A′ C
C
C A′ A

2 Give the missing angle to complete these sentences.

a A rotation clockwise by 90° is the same as a rotation anticlockwise by _______.
b A rotation anticlockwise by 180° is the same as a rotation clockwise by _______.
c A rotation anticlockwise by _______ is the same as a rotation clockwise by 58°.
d A rotation clockwise by _______ is the same as a rotation anticlockwise by 296°.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10C Rotation 651

Example 5 Finding the order of rotational symmetry

Find the order of rotational symmetry for these shapes.

a b

SOLUTION EXPLAN ATION

a Order of rotational symmetry = 2 1

b Order of rotational symmetry = 3

3 1

Now you try

Find the order of rotational symmetry for these shapes.
a b

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 652 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Example 6 Drawing a rotated image

Rotate these shapes about the point C by the given angle and direction.
a Clockwise by 90° b Clockwise by 180°

C C

SO LU T I O N EXPLA NATION
a Take each vertex point and rotate about C by
90°, but it may be easier to visualise a rotation
of some of the sides first. Horizontal sides
C will rotate to vertical sides in the image and
vertical sides will rotate to horizontal sides in
the image.

b You can draw a dashed line from each vertex

through C to a point at an equal distance on the
opposite side.
C

Now you try

Rotate these shapes about the point C by the given angle and direction.
a Anticlockwise by 90° b Clockwise by 180°

C
C

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10C Rotation 653

Exercise 10C
FLUENCY 1–4, 5(1/2) 2–3(1/2), 4, 5(1/2), 6 2–3(1/2), 4, 5(1/2), 6

Example 5 1 Find the order of rotational symmetry for these shapes.

a b

Example 5 2 Find the order of rotational symmetry for these shapes.

a b c

d e f

Example 6a 3 Rotate these shapes about the point C by the given angle and direction.
a Clockwise by 90° b Anticlockwise by 90° c Anticlockwise by 180°

C
C C

d Clockwise by 90° e Anticlockwise by 180° f Clockwise by 180°

C C
C

Example 6b 4 Rotate these shapes about the point C by the given angle and direction.
a Clockwise by 90° b Anticlockwise by 90° c Anticlockwise by 180°

C C
C

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 654 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

5 The point A(4, 3) is rotated about the origin C(0, 0) by the y

given angle and direction. Give the coordinates of A′.
4
a 180° clockwise b 180° anticlockwise A(4, 3)
3
c 90° clockwise d 90° anticlockwise
2
e 270° clockwise f 270° anticlockwise
1
g 360° clockwise
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

6 The triangle shown here is rotated about (0, 0) by the given y

angle and direction. Give the coordinates of the image points A 4
A′, B′ and C ′.
3
a 180° clockwise
2
b 90° clockwise
1
c 90° anticlockwise B C
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

PROBLEM-SOLVING 7, 8 7, 8 8, 9

7 By how many degrees have these shapes been rotated?

a C b c

C
C

8 Which capital letters of the alphabet, as written below, have rotational symmetry of order 2 or more?
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
9 Draw an example of a shape that has these properties.
a Rotational symmetry of order 2 with no line symmetry
b Rotational symmetry of order 6 with 6 lines of symmetry
c Rotational symmetry of order 4 with no line symmetry

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10C Rotation 655

REASONING 10 10, 11 11, 12

10 What value of x makes these sentences true?

a Rotating x degrees clockwise has the same effect as rotating x degrees anticlockwise.
b Rotating x degrees clockwise has the same effect as rotating 3x degrees anticlockwise.

11 When working without a grid or without 90° angles, a protractor

and compasses are needed to accurately draw images under
rotation. This example shows a rotation of 120° about C.
a Copy this triangle with centre of rotation C onto a sheet
C X
of paper. Y
Z′
120°
X′
Z
C
Y′
b Construct three circles with centre C and passing through the
vertices of the triangle.
c Use a protractor to draw an image after these rotations.
i 120° anticlockwise
ii 100° clockwise

12 Make a copy of this diagram and rotate the shape anticlockwise by 135° around point C.
You will need to use compasses and a protractor as shown in Question 11.

ENRICHMENT: Finding the centre of rotation – – 13

13 Finding the centre of rotation if the angle is known involves the

A′ A
calculation of an angle inside an isosceles triangle. For the rotation x° x°
shown, the angle of rotation is 50°. The steps are given:
1 Calculate ∠CAA′ and ∠CA′A.
(2x + 50 = 180, so x = 65)
50°
2 Draw the angles ∠AA′C and ∠A′AC at 65° using a protractor.
3 Locate the centre of rotation C at the point of intersection of AC C
and A′C.

a On a sheet of paper draw two points A and A′ about 4 cm apart. Follow the steps above to locate
the centre of rotation if the angle of rotation is 40°.
b Repeat part a using an angle of rotation of 100°.
c When a shape is rotated and the angle is unknown, there is a special method for accurately
pinpointing the centre of rotation. Research this method and illustrate the procedure using an
example.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 656 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

10D Congruent figures

Learning intentions
• To understand that two figures are congruent (have the same size and shape) if one can be transformed to
the other using a combination of reflections, translations and rotations
• To be able to name corresponding pairs of vertices, sides and angles in congruent shapes

In mathematics, if two objects are identical we say they

are congruent. If you ordered 10 copies of a poster from
a printer, you would expect that the image on one poster
would be congruent to the image on the next. Even if one
poster was flipped over, shifted or rotated, you would still
say the images on the posters were congruent.

Architects regularly use congruent shapes.

This glass dome has congruent triangles and
trapeziums; each shape could be rotated about the
circle centre, or reflected over a circle radius, to
exactly cover a congruent shape.
LESSON STARTER Are they congruent?
Here are two shapes. To be congruent they need to be exactly the same shape and size.

• Do you think they look congruent? Give reasons.

• What measurements could be taken to help establish whether or not they are congruent?
• Can you just measure lengths or do you need to measure angles as well? Discuss.
KEY IDEAS
■ A figure is a shape, diagram or illustration.

■ Two figures are congruent if one of them can be transformed to the other using the
transformations: reflection, translation and rotation.
• Congruent figures have the same size and shape.

■ Corresponding (matching) parts of a figure have the same C E D

°
geometric properties.
• Vertex C corresponds to vertex E.
°
F
• Side AB corresponds to side FD.
• ∠B corresponds to ∠D. A
B
ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press
Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10D Congruent figures 657

■ A congruent statement can be written using the symbol ≡. For example: △ ABC ≡ △FDE.
• The symbol ≅ can also be used for congruence.
• The symbol for triangle is △.
• Vertices are usually listed in matching order.

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 In this diagram, △ ABC has been reflected to give
the image triangle △DEF. C F

A B E D
a Is △DEF congruent to △ ABC, i.e. is △DEF ≡ △ ABC?
b Name the vertex on △DEF which corresponds to:
i vertex A ii vertex B iii vertex C.
c Name the side on DEF which corresponds to:
△

i side AB ii side BC iii side AC.

d Name the angle in △DEF which corresponds to:
i ∠B ii ∠C iii ∠A.
2 In this diagram, △ ABC has been translated (shifted) C F
to give the image triangle △DEF.

A B D E
a Is congruent to
△DEF i.e. is
△ ABC, ≡ △DEF △ ABC?

b Name the vertex on △DEF which corresponds to:

i vertex A ii vertex B iii vertex C.
c Name the side on △DEF which corresponds to:
i side AB ii side BC iii side AC.
d Name the angle in △DEF which corresponds to:
i ∠B ii ∠C iii ∠A.
3 In this diagram, △ ABC has been rotated to give the image C D
triangle △DEF.

A B

a Is △DEF congruent to △ ABC, i.e. is △DEF ≡ △ ABC? E

F
b Name the vertex on △DEF which corresponds to:
i vertex A ii vertex B iii vertex C.
c Name the side on △DEF which corresponds to:
i side AB ii side BC iii side AC.
d Name the angle in △DEF which corresponds to:
i ∠B ii ∠C iii ∠A.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 658 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Example 7 Naming corresponding pairs in congruent shapes

These two quadrilaterals are congruent. Name the A G

objects in quadrilateral EFGH that correspond to F
these objects in quadrilateral ABCD. H
a Vertex C B
b Side AB E
c ∠C D C

SO LU T I O N EXPLA NATION
a Vertex G C sits opposite A and ∠A is the smallest angle.
G sits opposite E and ∠E is also the smallest
angle.

b Side EH Sides AB and EH are both the longest sides of

their respective shapes. A corresponds to E and
B corresponds to H.

c ∠G ∠C and ∠G are both the largest angle in their

corresponding quadrilateral.

Now you try

These two quadrilaterals are congruent. Name the A
objects in quadrilateral EFGH that correspond to
B G F
these objects in quadrilateral ABCD.
a Vertex A
b Side BC
c ∠D D C H E

Exercise 10D
FLUENCY 1–3 2, 3 2, 3

Example 7 1 These two quadrilaterals are congruent. Name the object in A D G F

quadrilateral EFGH which corresponds to these objects in
quadrilateral ABCD.
a i Vertex A ii Vertex D B C H E
b i Side AD ii Side CD
c i ∠C ii ∠A

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10D Congruent figures 659

Example 7 2 These two pentagons are congruent. Name the object in E H I

A
pentagon FGHIJ which corresponds to these objects in
D
pentagon ABCDE.
a i Vertex A ii Vertex D B C J
b i Side AE ii Side CD
c i ∠C ii ∠E
G F

3 From all the shapes shown here, find three pairs that look congruent.

C D
A B

G
F H
E I

M
J
K L
N

PROBLEM-SOLVING 4, 5 4, 5 5, 6

4 List the pairs of the triangles below that look congruent.

D
A B
C

G
E
H
F

I
K

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 660 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

5 How many congruent triangles are there in this diagram with:

1
a area ? b area 1? c area 2?
2
d area 4? e area 8? 4

6 Write the pairs of corresponding vertices for these congruent shapes, e.g. (A, E), (B, D).
a C E D b A B Z W

A B F D C Y X

c A B C Y d A B S

E X
C W
D Z X W

D T Z

REASONING 7 7, 8 8, 9

7 An isosceles triangle is cut as shown, using the midpoint of AB. C

a Name the two triangles formed.
b Will the two triangles be congruent? Give reasons.

A M B

8 A kite ABCD has diagonals AC and BD. B

a The kite is cut using the diagonal BD.
i Name the two triangles formed. A C
ii Will the two triangles be congruent? Give reasons.
b The kite is cut using the diagonal AC.
i Name the two triangles formed.
ii Will the two triangles be congruent? Give reasons.
D

9 If a parallelogram is cut by either diagonal will the two triangles be congruent?

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10D Congruent figures 661

ENRICHMENT: Combining isometric transformations – – 10

10 Describe the combination of transformations y

(reflections, translations and/or rotations) that map
5
each shape to its image under the given conditions. A B′ C
4
The reflections that are allowed include only those in
the x- and y-axes and rotations will use (0, 0) as its 3
centre. 2
1 A′
a A to A′ with a reflection and then a translation
x
b A to A′ with a rotation and then a translation
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4 5
c B to B′ with a rotation and then a translation
d B to B′ with two reflections and then a translation −2
e C to C ′ with two reflections and then a translation −3
B C′
f C to C ′ with a rotation and then a translation −4
−5

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 662 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

10E Congruent triangles

Learning intentions
• To understand that determining whether triangles are congruent can be done using the congruence tests
SSS, SAS, AAS and RHS
• To understand that a triangle based on a description is called unique if any two triangles matching the
description are congruent
• To be able to determine which congruence test should be used to determine if two triangles are congruent
• To be able to construct a triangle from a description and decide if the result is unique

Imagine the sorts of design and

engineering problems we would
face if we could not guarantee
that two objects such as window
panes or roof truss frames were not
the same size or shape. Further it
might not be possible or practical to
measure every length and angle to
test for congruence. In the case of
triangles, it is possible to consider
only a number of pairs of sides or
angles to test whether or not they are Engineers use congruent triangles on truss bridges to achieve stability and
strength by the symmetrical distribution of weight. The Tokyo Gate Bridge
congruent. has pairs of congruent, steel triangles supporting its central span.

LESSON STARTER How much information is enough?

Given one corresponding angle (say 30°) and one corresponding equal side length (say 3 cm), it is clearly not
enough information to say two triangles are congruent. This is because more than one triangle can be drawn
with the given information; that is, you cannot draw a unique triangle with this given information.

30°
3 cm 30°
3 cm

30°
3 cm
Decide if the following information is enough to determine if two triangles are congruent. If you can
draw two non-identical triangles, then there is not enough information. If you can only draw one unique
triangle, then you have the conditions for congruence.

• △ ABC with AC = 4 cm and ∠C = 40°

• △ ABC with AB = 5 cm and AC = 4 cm
• △ ABC with AB = 5 cm, AC = 4 cm and ∠ = 45°
• △ ABC with AB = 5 cm, AC = 4 cm and BC = 3 cm
• △ ABC with AB = 4 cm, ∠A = 40° and ∠B = 60°

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10E Congruent triangles 663

KEY IDEAS
■ Two triangles are congruent if one of these four sets of conditions is satisfied.
• SSS
3 equal corresponding sides.

• SAS
2 equal corresponding sides and 1 equal
corresponding angle between them.
This angle is called the included angle.

• AAS
°
2 equal corresponding angles and 1 equal °
corresponding side. Any order is accepted
AAS, ASA, SAA.

• RHS
2 right-angled triangles with equal hypotenuse lengths
and 1 other pair of equal corresponding sides.

■ If triangle ABC is congruent to triangle DEF , we write △ ABC ≡ △DEF .

• This is called a congruence statement.

■ A unique triangle is one where any triangles matching the description are congruent to
each other.

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 Pick the congruence test (SSS, SAS, AAS or RHS) that matches each pair of congruent triangles.
a b

c d °

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 664 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

2 Give the congruence statement (e.g. △ ABC ≡ △DEF) for these pairs of congruent triangles. Try
to match vertices by stating them in corresponding positions.
a A E b A F

B C F D
B E
C D

Example 8 Deciding on a test for congruence

Which of the tests (SSS, SAS, AAS or RHS) would you choose to test the congruence of these
pairs of triangles?
a b 12 m 12 m
70°
70°
60° 5 cm 15 m
60° 15 m
5 cm

SO LU T I O N EXPLA NATION
a AAS There are two equal angles and 1 pair of equal
corresponding sides. The side that is 5 cm is
adjacent to the 60° angle on both triangles.

b RHS There is a pair of right angles with equal

hypotenuse lengths. A second pair of
corresponding sides are also of equal length.

Now you try

Which of the tests (SSS, SAS, AAS or RHS) would you choose to test the congruence of these
pairs of triangles?
a b
7 cm 5m 5m
3m 3m
5 cm
60°
60° 4m 4m
5 cm
7 cm

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10E Congruent triangles 665

Example 9 Constructing unique triangles

Use a ruler and a pair of compasses to construct these triangles. Decide if the triangle is unique and
give a reason.
a △ ABC with AB = 5 cm, BC = 7 cm and AC = 4 cm
b △DEF with ∠D = 70°, ∠E = 50° and EF = 4 cm

SOLUTION EXPLAN ATION

a Draw AB with length 5 cm. Construct two arcs
C with radii 4 cm and 7 cm centred at A and B
7 cm respectively. Place point C at the intersection
4 cm point of two arcs.
A B The triangle is unique since three sides are
5 cm
given (SSS).
∠ABC is unique (SSS)

b Draw EF with length 4 cm and the ray ED so

D that ∠E = 50° using a protractor. Calculate
∠F (180° − 70° − 50° = 60°). Measure ∠F
70°
and draw in FD.
50° 60° The triangle is unique since two angles and a
E F
4 cm side are given (AAS).
∠DEF is unique (AAS)

Now you try

Use a ruler and a pair of compasses to construct these triangles. Decide if the triangle is unique and
give a reason.
a △ ABC with AB = 6 cm, ∠A = 45°, ∠B = 45°
b △ DEF with DE = 8 cm, DF = 5 cm, EF = 4 cm

Exercise 10E
FLUENCY 1, 2, 3(1/2), 4 2, 3(1/2), 4 2, 3−4(1/2),5

Example 8 1 Which of the tests (SSS, SAS, AAS or RHS) would you choose to test the congruence of these pairs of
triangles?
a 4m 4m b 5 cm
2m 2m 110° 3 cm 110° 3 cm
5 cm
3m 3m

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 666 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Example 8 2 Which of the tests (SSS, SAS, AAS or RHS) would you choose to test the congruence of these
triangles?
a b
1 cm 4 cm
3 cm 4 cm 3 cm
110°
4 cm 3 cm 1 cm
110°
3 cm
4 cm

c d
3 cm 50°
80°
4 cm 7 cm
7 cm 80° 3 cm
50°

4 cm

e f
2 cm 2 cm 80° 80°
10 cm
5 cm

10° 10°

Example 9 3 Use a ruler and a pair of compasses to construct these triangles. Which of the tests (SSS, SAS, AAS
or RHS) show that the triangle is unique?
a △ ABC with ∠A = 60°, AB = 5 cm and ∠B = 40°
b △DEF with DE = 5 cm, EF = 6 cm and DF = 7 cm
c △STU with ∠S = 90°, ST = 4 cm and TU = 5 cm
d △XYZ with XY = 6 cm, ∠Y = 40° and YZ = 4 cm
e △ ABC with AB = 4 cm, BC = 6 cm and AC = 3 cm
f △STU with ST = 4 cm, ∠S = 65° and ∠T = 45°
g △PQR with PQ = 5 cm, ∠P = 60° and PR = 4 cm
h △DEF with ∠D = 40°, ∠E = 60° and EF = 5 cm
i △ ABC with ∠B = 55°, BC = 6 cm and ∠A = 35°
j △ ABC with ∠B = 90°, BC = 5 cm and AC = 8 cm

4 These pairs of triangles are congruent. Find the values of the pronumerals.
a b
4m 1m
a°
20° 9 cm
3m ym x cm
xm

3m

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10E Congruent triangles 667

c 18° 24° d 5 cm
x cm
30°
5 cm a°
a°
18° x cm

e b° f a°
95° 4 cm 11 cm

x cm a° b° x cm
25° 50°

5 Decide if these pairs of triangles are congruent. If they are, give a reason.
a b
11 m 1 2
1 2
8m 11 m
9m

c 10 d
2 2
10

PROBLEM-SOLVING 6 6–8 7–9

6 Decide which piece of information from the given list needs to be added to the diagram if the two
triangles are to be congruent.
∠B = 30°, ∠C = 20°, EF = 3 m, FD = 3 m, AB = 6 cm, AC = 6 cm, ∠C = 20°, ∠A = 20°
a A E F b A B E
100° 20 mm
30°
6m 6m 20 mm 100°
D F
C 3m B D C

c A F 6 cm D d A 21 m F
E
20°
7 cm
9 cm 9 cm 26 m 26 m
C B G
7 cm E 21 m
B
C

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 668 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

7 Decide if each pair of triangles is congruent. You may first need to use the angle sum of a triangle to
help calculate some of the angles.
a b
65°
35° 50°
75°

c 5 cm d
10 cm
50° 30° 45° 10 cm 55°
100° 100°

5 cm

8 Two adjoining triangular areas of land have the dimensions shown. 5 km

Use Pythagoras’ theorem to help decide if the two areas of land are
congruent. 13 km
12 km

5 km

9 a Explain why SSA is not a sufficient test to prove that two triangles are congruent. Draw diagrams to
show your reasoning.
b Explain why AAA is not a sufficient test to prove that two triangles are congruent. Draw diagrams
to show your reasoning.

REASONING 10(1/2) 10(1/2) 10

10 Here is a suggested proof showing that the two triangles in this diagram are A B
congruent.
In △ ABC and △EDC C
∠CAB = ∠CED (alternate angles in parallel lines)
D E
∠ACB = ∠ECD (vertically opposite angles)
AC = EC (given equal and corresponding sides)
△ ABC ≡ △EDC (AAS)
Write a proof (similar to the above) for these pairs of congruent triangles. Any of the four tests (SSS,
SAS, AAS or RHS) may be used.
a A B b D

D E

A B C

c A B d B

A C
D C
D

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10E Congruent triangles 669

ENRICHMENT: Proof challenge – – 11

11 Write a logical set of reasons (proof) as to why the following are true. Refer to A (Apex)
Question 10 for an example of how to set out a simple proof.
a The segment joining the apex of an isosceles triangle to the midpoint M of the
base BC is at right angles to the base, i.e. prove ∠AMB = ∠AMC = 90°.

B M C

b The segment AC = 2AB c A kite has one pair of equal d The diagonals of a rhombus
in this diagram. opposite angles. intersect at right angles.
D D D C
E
A A C
B
C A B

E
B

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 670 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

1 Consider the triangle ABC.

10A
a Copy the diagram and draw the reflected image using the y-axis as the mirror line.
b State the coordinates of the vertices A′B′C ′ after the triangle is reflected in the x-axis.
Progress quiz

4
B (4, 3)
3
2 A (2, 1)
1
C (3, 0)
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

2 State the translation vector that moves the point.

10B
a A(2, 1) to A′(5, 6) b B(−1, 0) to B′(3, −2)

3 Draw the image of the triangle ABC after a translation by the vector (−4, 1).
10B
y

4
3 C
2
1
A B
x
−4 −3 −2 −1−1O 1 2 3 4
−2
−3
−4

4 State the order of rotational symmetry for diagram below.

10C

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 Progress quiz 671

5 Rotate the following shape clockwise 90°, about the point O.

10C

Progress quiz
O

6 Refer to the triangle in Question 3. Give the coordinates of A′, B′ and C ′ after the original
10C
triangle ABC has been rotated about the origin 90°, anticlockwise.

7 Consider the triangles ABC and PQR.

10D/E
B P Q

15 m
xm

A C R
a Which congruency test would you choose for this pair of triangles?
b Write a congruency statement.
c Which side of triangle PQR corresponds to the side AB?
d Which angle in triangle ABC corresponds to angle RPQ?

8 Explain why triangle ABE is congruent to triangle CBD.

10E
C
A

D
E

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 672 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

10F Tessellations
Learning intentions
• To know the meaning of the terms tessellation, regular tessellation and semi-regular tessellation
• To be able to tessellate a basic shape
• To be able to name a regular or semi-regular tessellation based on a picture

Architects, builders and interior designers have great interest in arranging basic congruent shapes to create
interesting patterns within a new home. These patterns are often formed using tiles or pavers and can be
found on bathroom walls, interior floors or exterior courtyards.

1 2 3

4 5 6

These tessellated patterns use many shapes including: (1) rectangular pavers on a pedestrian crossing;
(2) hexagonal wall tiles; (3) parallelogram and hexagonal floor tiles; (4) chameleon lizards on curtain material;
(5) quilt pattern of rhombuses; (6) triangular pieces of stained-glass.

The words tessellate and tessellation originate from the Latin noun, tessera, referring to a small tile
used in the construction of a mosaic. Tessellated tile designs are commonly used throughout history in
the fields of Art and Design and continue to be extensively employed today. It is most likely that various
tessellations exist within your home and your school.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10F Tessellations 673

LESSON STARTER To tessellate or not to tessellate?

In Section 2E you were introduced to the concept of regular polygons as shapes with sides of equal length
and equal interior angles. Can you remember the name given to the first ten polygons?
Johann Kepler, back in 1619, was the first mathematician to prove that there are only three regular
polygons that will tessellate by themselves. Working with a partner, can you determine which regular
polygons these are?

KEY IDEAS
■ A tessellation is a pattern made up of shapes that fit together without any gaps and without any
overlaps.

■ Isometric transformations, such as reflections, translations and rotations, are used with
appropriate shapes to produce tessellated patterns.

■ Regular tessellations are formed by arranging multiple copies of one regular polygon. There are
only three regular polygons that tessellate by themselves: triangle, square and hexagon.

■ Semi-regular tessellations are formed by arranging multiple copies of two or more regular
polygons. There are eight distinct semi-regular tessellations.

■ Regular and semi-regular tessellations can be named by

counting the number of sides each regular polygon has at any of
the identical vertices.
For example: The semi-regular tessellation shown at right
consists of squares, hexagons and dodecagons. It can be named
as a 4.6.4.12 tessellation.

■ Other tessellated patterns can be formed by any

combination of shapes (regular, irregular, composite).
Curved shapes and images can also be used to form
tessellated patterns, like the one shown.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 674 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
1 Which of the following phrases best describes what a tessellation is?
A A group of shapes joined together
B A group of shapes all stacked on top of one another to form a totem pole
C A group of shapes arranged together without any overlaps or any gaps
D A group of shapes positioned in such a way to form an attractive pattern
2 Which of the following words best matches the mathematical term congruence?
A Parallel B Similar C Related D Identical
3 Provide a reason why the following pattern cannot be called a tessellation.

Example 10 Tessellating shapes

Using the following ‘plus sign’ shape draw ten identical plus signs to show that this shape
will tessellate.

SO LU T I O N EXPLA NATION
Translate each identical plus sign to make sure
it fits without leaving any gaps and without any
overlaps.
Note that the final shape does not need to be a
neat rectangle to be classified as a tessellation.
The only requirement is that the pattern can
continue to grow without leaving any holes.

Now you try

Using the following ‘L’ sign shape draw eight identical L signs to show that this shape will
tessellate.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10F Tessellations 675

Example 11 Naming tessellations

By considering any vertex, name the following semi-regular tessellation.

SOLUTION EXPLAN ATION

3.6.3.6 Select any vertex and as you go around the vertex count
the number of sides each polygon has.

3 6
6 3

Now you try

By considering any vertex, name the following semi-regular tessellation.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 676 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

Exercise 10F
FLUENCY 1–5 2–6 2, 4–6

Example 10 1 Using the following trapezium shape draw ten identical shapes to show that a trapezium will
tessellate. You can translate, rotate or reflect this shape to form your tessellation.

Example 10 2 Draw regular tessellations using only:

a triangles b squares c hexagons.

3 Which of the following shapes tessellate by themselves? Reflections, rotations and translations of the
original shape can be used.
a b c

d e f

Example 11 4 By considering any vertex, name the following semi-regular tessellations.

a b

c d

5 Design a tessellation using the following. Use rotations, reflections and translations if needed.
a Only the following shape. b Only the following shape.

c Any combination of the above two shapes.

6 By looking at vertices, label each of the tessellations drawn in Question 2.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 10F Tessellations 677

PROBLEM-SOLVING 7 7, 8 8, 9

7 A landscaper is required to pave an outside entertaining area with the dimensions 10 m × 12 m. She
must use rectangular pavers measuring 25 cm × 50 cm.
a How many pavers will be required to complete the job?
b Show the start of two possible tessellation patterns that could be used for the entertaining area.

8 Produce a tessellation using only regular octagons and squares.

9 a Shade in one unit shape within each of the following tessellations.

b Taking inspiration from the designs above, create your own irregular tessellation.

REASONING 10 10, 11 10–12

10 The object of the game Tetris is to produce rows with no gaps, or in other words to produce
a tessellation with the tiles as they appear. Using 1 cm grid paper, draw a large rectangle of
width = 10 cm and height = 20 cm.

The following image shows the seven different Tetris pieces, with each small cube representing a
1 cm × 1 cm square.

I
O S Z

J L R

a How many Tetris pieces will be needed to completely fill the 10 cm × 20 cm rectangle?
b Using at least three of each piece, design a tessellated pattern to fill the 10 cm × 20 cm rectangle.

11 Explain why a circle can or cannot be used within a tessellation.

12 Using your knowledge of the interior angle of regular polygons, the angle size of a revolution and
the vertex naming technique of tessellations, justify why there are only three regular polygons which
tessellate by themselves.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023
 678 Chapter 10 Transformations and congruence

ENRICHMENT: Ancient, modern or cutting edge tessellations – – 13–15

13 Ancient tessellations
During the Middle Ages the Moorish people, particularly of Spain, were well known
for their distinctive and elaborate tile designs. Several images are shown at right.
a Carry out research on Moorish tile designs and print two of your favourite
tessellations.
b Using grid paper, design your own intricate 10 × 10 tile, consisting of a range of
simple coloured shapes which tessellate and completely cover the tile.
c Either by hand, or using appropriate geometry software, repeatedly draw your
intricate tile to show how it tessellates and see how effective it looks as a design
that could go in a modern home.

14 Modern tessellations
The Dutch artist M.C. Escher (1898–1972) is famous for making
irregular tessellations involving repeated images which gradually
change form. An example of Escher-like tessellation art is shown.
a Carry out research on M.C. Escher and print two of your
favourite Escher designs.
b Either by hand, or using appropriate geometry software, design
your own irregular tessellation
consisting of the one repeated image.

15 Cutting-edge tessellations
In 2015, Dr Casey Mann, Associate Professor of Mathematics at the
University of Washington, and his colleagues discovered a new irregular
pentagon which tessellates. Reportedly, it is only the fifteenth such
pentagon ever found and is the first new tessellating pentagon to be found in
thirty years.

The image shows a tessellation involving only the new irregular pentagon.
a Carry out research on irregular pentagons which can tessellate by
themselves.
b Either by hand, or using appropriate geometry software,
replicate the newly identified pentagon using the information c
d C
provided below. B
D b
1
A = 60° D = 90° a=1 d=
2 e E A
a
1 1
B = 135° E = 150° b= e=
2 2
1
C = 105° c=
√2(√3 − 1)
c Create a tessellation using only the newly identified pentagon.

ISBN 978-1-108-77271-6 © Greenwood et al. 2019 Cambridge University Press

Photocopying is restricted under law and this material must not be transferred to another party. Updated May 2023