Question

ummm...what is a plane

Answer 1

the simplest explanation is that it's a flat surface that extends infinitely in every direction (think of a table top that never ends)

Answer 2

why did you post those 4 figures?

Answer 3

it has something to do with those

Answer 4

can you be more specific? is that all the instructions say?

Answer 5

Look at the polygons shown below.



Which of these polygons will tessellate a plane?

Answer 6

There is one axiom that might apply. Any three points determine a plane.... OH! tessellate! Tiling. OK.... That is different...

Answer 7

ok

Answer 8

to tessellate a plane is to break it up into pieces, but each piece fits together perfectly

two examples of tessellation

a) floor tiles fit together perfectly and they cover the entire floor

b) a jigsaw puzzle has each piece fitting together to create a larger image or shape

Answer 9

so is there any way to use octagons to tessellate the plane?

Answer 10

Some visual examples may also help.

http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/tessellation.html

Answer 11

ok do it they have to be able to put more than one together to make a bigger peice

Answer 12

and yes

Answer 13

dont 1 and 2 both work?

Answer 14

in other words, is it possible to glue the edges of a bunch of octagons and have them fill up the plane (but no gaps are allowed, every bit of space must be covered)

Answer 15

ok so that means octagons dont work

Answer 16

correct

Answer 17

octagons will not tessellate the plane

Answer 18

regular octagons that is

Answer 19

so figures 1 nd 12 will be the two

Answer 20

good, triangles will always tessellate the plane (no matter what type of triangle you're dealing with)

you can combine two triangles to form a rhombus, which will also tessellate the plane