Line Symmetry
What Is Line Symmetry?
Line symmetry is a property of shapes that look the same on both sides of an imaginary line – this line is called the line of symmetry.
Imagine that you fold a piece of paper exactly along the line of symmetry. If both halves of the shape match exactly, the shape has line symmetry.
Examples of Symmetrical Shapes
These shapes have lines of symmetry:
- Square – has 4 lines of symmetry
- Rectangle – has 2 lines of symmetry
- Equilateral triangle – has 3 lines of symmetry
- Circle – has infinitely many lines of symmetry
Symmetrical Letters
Some letters of the alphabet also have line symmetry:
- A, M, T, U, V, W, Y – have a vertical line of symmetry
- B, C, D, E, K – have a horizontal line of symmetry
- H, I, O, X – have two lines of symmetry (vertical and horizontal)
Asymmetrical Shapes
Not every shape has a line of symmetry. For example:
- An irregular polygon
- The letters F, G, R, S, Z
- Most natural objects (branches, stones…)
Summary
- A line of symmetry is a line that divides a shape into two matching halves.
- A shape can have one, several, or no lines of symmetry.
- A circle has infinitely many lines of symmetry.
- We can check symmetry by folding a piece of paper – both halves must match exactly.
