Tessellations

Tessellation_Shanghi.jpgAccording to the dictionary, tessellation means to make a pattern using small squares. In mathematics there are several types of tessellations.

A mathematical description is that a tessellation is a pattern made up of polygons which fit together without leaving any spaces.

Regular Tessellations
A regular tessellation is made up of regular polygons. Only three regular polygons tessellate: triangles, squares and hexagons.

Tessellations_01.gif
Tessellations_02.gif
Tessellations_03.gif
equilateral triangles tessellate
squares tessellate
regular hexagons tessellate

Semi-regular Tessellations
A semi-regular tessellation is a tessellation made up of a variety of different polygons.

Tessellations_04.gif
Tessellations_05.gif
Tessellations_06.gif
A tessellation made of squares and triangles
A tessellation made of hexagons and triangles
A tessellation made of triangles, squares and hexagons

Other Tessellations
Many artists and designers use patterns involving tessellations.

Tessellations_07.jpg
Tessellations_08.jpg
Tessellations_09.jpg
Tessellations_10.jpg
Tessellations_11.jpg
Tessellations_12.jpg

 

Try this activity and create tessellations of your own − Tessellations_13.gif