09/03/2026
Symmetry (Explanation)
Symmetry means that a shape or object can be divided into two equal and identical parts. When one half is the mirror image of the other half, the shape is said to have symmetry.
The line that divides the shape into two equal parts is called the line of symmetry (or mirror line).
Examples
A square has 4 lines of symmetry.
A rectangle has 2 lines of symmetry.
A circle has infinitely many lines of symmetry.
In nature, a butterfly and many flowers also show symmetry.
Simple Definition
Symmetry:
The property of a shape in which one half is the mirror image of the other half.
If you want, I can also make a colorful infographic photo of symmetry for notes or presentation. 📘✨
Symmetry, Line of Symmetry & Order of Symmetry
1. Symmetry
Symmetry is the property of a shape in which it can be divided into two equal and identical parts.
Both parts are mirror images of each other.
Example: Butterfly wings, leaves, square, rectangle.
Definition:
Symmetry means a shape looks exactly the same on both sides when divided by a line.
2. Line of Symmetry
A line of symmetry is an imaginary line that divides a shape into two equal mirror-image parts.
If we fold the shape along this line, both halves match exactly.
Examples
Square → 4 lines of symmetry
Rectangle → 2 lines of symmetry
Equilateral triangle → 3 lines of symmetry
Circle → Infinite lines of symmetry
3. Order of Symmetry
The order of symmetry (rotational symmetry) tells how many times a shape looks the same during a full rotation of 360°.
Examples
Square → Order = 4
Equilateral triangle → Order = 3
Rectangle → Order = 2
Circle → Infinite order
Definition:
Order of symmetry is the number of times a shape fits onto itself during a complete rotation of 360°.
✅ Short Summary
Shape
Lines of Symmetry
Order of Symmetry
Square
4
4
Rectangle
2
2
Equilateral Triangle
3
3
Circle
Infinite
Infinite