1. Identify the 6 squares in a line.
2. Choose 3 different colours, using each colour for exactly 2 squares.
3. Arrange the colours so that the pattern is symmetrical around the central vertical line (between square 3 and 4).
4. For symmetry, square 1 must match square 6, square 2 must match square 5, and square 3 must match square 4.
5. Since each colour must be used twice, assign one colour to squares 1 and 6, another colour to squares 2 and 5, and the third colour to squares 3 and 4.
6. The number of different symmetrical patterns equals the number of ways to assign the 3 distinct colours to the 3 pairs of positions.
7. This is equivalent to the number of permutations of 3 colours: 3! = 3 × 2 × 1 = 6.
8. Therefore, there are 6 different symmetrical patterns possible.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of symmetry worksheet ks1.
