L4 · Matching halves: symmetry in shapes

Learning goal

“I can fold a shape in half and tell if the two halves match.”

Half — one of two parts of a whole, when the whole is split in two.

Fold — to bend one part of a paper or shape over onto the other part.

Match — to be exactly the same in size and shape, so one part covers the other.

Worked example

Take a square. Fold it so the top side lands on the bottom side. Step 1: The square is now in two parts. Step 2: Look: the top part covers the bottom part exactly. Nothing sticks out. Step 3: The two parts are the same size and the same shape. They are matching halves. One more: a circle folded in half through its middle. The two parts cover each other exactly. Matching halves again. Say it plainly: halves match when the fold makes the two parts cover each other exactly.

Check yourself — explain it

How do you know two halves match?

Paired problem — example still visible

A rectangle is folded so its two short sides meet. Do the halves match? -> Yes - the two parts are the same size and shape, and they cover each other exactly

Faded completion — last step is yours

"Fold a shape in half. If the parts cover each other exactly, the halves ___" -> match

Ready to practise?

8 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 7/8 plus both gate questions.

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