Discovering Group Theory, Day 2

February 1, 2017 /

Topics:

  • Rotational symmetry
  • Identity
  • Inverse
  • Formal definition of a group
  • Group product

On Day 2, we considered only rotations of various polygons around their geometric centers. After a systematic hands-on investigation and cataloguing of rotations which leave a polygon unchanged, we identified the identity transformations and the inverse of each rotation. The class concluded we the formal definition of a group.

A white board with drawn polygons and lists of the rotations which leave it looking the same.
Cataloguing rotations of various polygons which leave them unchanged.