Rolling Polygons

1
Rolling Polygons

• A dynamic PowerPoint introduction to the Rolling
  Polygons Investigation created by Mrs A. Furniss.

2
Polygons

• A polygon is a 2D (flat) shape with many sides.

Irregular Polygons (different side lengths)
Regular Polygons (all side lengths and angles
equal)
3
An Introduction to Rolling Polygons
Roll an equilateral triangle around a regular
hexagon. How many rolls does it take to get the
triangle back to its starting position?
Answer 6
4
Now try rolling a square around a regular
hexagon. How many rolls does it take to get the
square back to its starting position?
Keep going the dot needs to finish at the top!
Answer 12
5
Recording Your Results

• Try other combinations of polygons.
• Write down your results using a table like the
  one below.

• Can you find a link between the number of
  sides on the polygons you have used and the
  number of rolls it takes?
• Write this down under the subheading of
  Conclusion

6
Extension TaskInvestigating The Loci of Rolling
Polygons

• A locus (plural loci) is the path something
  travels
• Sketch the locus of the dot as one regular
  polygon rolls around another. Here is an example

Investigate with other combinations of regular
polygons.
Try changing the position of the dot.