Regular Polygons and Polygrams
This is the regular polygon tool. Plot two points then enter the number of vertices (4 vertices makes a square, etc). Click here to find out what a 'regular polygon' is.
This is the polygon tool. Click on points. Return to your first point to 'close' the polygon. Click here to find out what a 'polygon' is.
TASK 1: Pentagon
Use the 'regular polygon' tool to make a copy of the shape shown.
When you've made your pentagon, use the 'arrow' tool to drag you pentagon over the top of the one shown, to check that it is identical.
Pentagon
TASK 2: Pentagon with 5 point star
Use the 'regular polygon' tool to draw the pentagon.
Then use the 'polygon' tool to draw the five point star (pentagram). Start at any point, click on every 2nd point.
You can read about this historically rich shape here: https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/pentagram.html
Pentagon with 5 point star
TASK 3: Hexagon with two equilateral triangles
Make an identical copy of this diagram.
Use the 'regular polygon' tool to create the hexagon.
Use the 'polygon' tool or the 'regular polygon' tool to create the two equilateral triangles.
TASK 4: Octagon with two overlapping squares
Make an identical copy of this diagram.
Use the 'regular polygon' tool to create the octagon.
Use the 'polygon' tool or the 'regular polygon' tool to create the two overlapping squares.
TASK 5: Octagon with 8 point star, continuous line
Make an identical copy of this diagram.
Use the 'regular polygon' tool to create the octagon.
Use the 'polygon' tool to create the continuous line that makes the star. Join every third point.
TASK 6
Make a regular polygon that has 7 sides or more than 8 sides.
Create a star inside the polygon.
TASK 7
Create a new regular polygon diagram.
Observation(s)
Explain/describe a numerical or spatial pattern you notice about these regular polygon/star diagrams.
Decagram (optional task)
Look up the page https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Polygram.html. Describe how to make a 'decagram' below. Use the 'task 7' applet (slide the grid over if you already have a diagram there) or, open a geogebra classic page (https://www.geogebra.org/classic). Use the tools provided to construct a decagram.