2D shapes and their properties

  • Ball bearings in a metal wheel.
    problem

    Ball Bearings

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    2 out of 3

    If a is the radius of the axle, b the radius of each ball-bearing, and c the radius of the hub, why does the number of ball bearings n determine the ratio c/a? Find a formula for c/a in terms of n.

  • A rational search
    problem

    A Rational Search

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
    3 out of 3

    Investigate constructible images which contain rational areas.

  • What's Inside/Outside/Under the Box?
    article

    What's Inside/Outside/Under the Box?

    This article describes investigations that offer opportunities for children to think differently, and pose their own questions, about shapes.
  • Lafayette
    page

    Lafayette

    What mathematical words can be used to describe this floor covering? How many different shapes can you see inside this photograph?
  • Watch those Wheels
    page

    Watch Those Wheels

    Have you ever noticed the patterns in car wheel trims? These questions will make you look at car wheels in a different way!
  • article

    From One Shape to Another

    Read about David Hilbert who proved that any polygon could be cut up into a certain number of pieces that could be put back together to form any other polygon of equal area.