Similarity in Mathomat shapes, and constructing 3-D diagrams

Print the two activity pages in this investigation and use them with your Mathomat template and drawing paper.

In an earlier investigation we used Mathomat to enlarge geometrIc shapes. In this investigation we build on the idea of an enlarged shape to explore the idea of similarity. This can be done by holding your Mathomat template over a drawing of an enlargement of one of its shapes. You will be able to see that the ratio between corresponding sides within the template shape and the drawing shape are the same. Understanding symmetry in geometric objects has many important uses in drawing and design work. In mathematics an understanding of symmetry is sometimes essential for developing proof, such as in Euclidean geometry.

In the second activity you will use your Mathomat to create 3-D objects and their nets. The ability to visualise a 3-D object and to relate that to a 2-D drawing of its net is a powerful skill, and essential when doing many drawing, design and problem solving tasks with your Mathomat.