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Tessellations

MC Escher Fish Pattern

There are three different types of tessellations:

  • Regular
  • Semi-regular
  • Irregular

There are three ways to make regular tessellations:

  • Translation
  • Rotation
  • Reflection

Tessellation Slideshow

Translation is the simplest and easiest tessellating design to make. The congruent shape is slid in both horizontal and vertical directions inside the grid. The finished repeated design fits together without gaps or overlaps.

 

Rotation is a tessellating design where the congruent shape repeats around a central point. The finished design is repeated in a circular pattern inside the grid.

 

Reflection is a tessellating design where the congruent shape is repeated in a different method from a translation. The shape is repeated by sliding and flipping in both a horizontal and vertical directions inside the grid. The finished design fits together without gaps or overlaps.

Tessellations in Nature

Tessellations in Nature