ARCHIMEDEAN TESSELLATION Meaning and
Definition
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An Archimedean tessellation refers to a specific type of regular tiling, or mosaic-like arrangement of shapes, observed on a two-dimensional plane. It is named after the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, who extensively studied the field of geometry. Archimedean tessellations display a high degree of symmetry and consist of two or more different regular polygons assembled to completely cover a plane with no gaps or overlaps. These tilings are formed by repeating specific arrangements of the polygons in a way that maintains symmetry and uniformity throughout the entire plane.
Unlike other types of tessellations, such as regular tessellations that employ only a single type of polygon, Archimedean tessellations allow for a combination of different polygons. However, these tessellations must adhere to specific rules: each vertex must contain the same sequence of polygons and the arrangement of polygons around each vertex must also be identical. Examples of Archimedean tessellations include the well-known tiling patterns like the kites and darts, the snub squares, and the honeycomb pattern.
Archimedean tessellations have fascinated mathematicians and artists alike due to their aesthetic appeal and mathematical properties. They find applications in design, architecture, and the creation of visual patterns in various fields. The study and exploration of these tessellations provide insights into symmetry, mathematical relationships, and the fundamental principles of geometry, making them a significant area of interest in mathematics and its practical applications.
Etymology of ARCHIMEDEAN TESSELLATION
The word "Archimedean" in "Archimedean tessellation" is derived from the name of the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, who made significant contributions to geometry and mathematics. The term "Archimedean" is used to refer to a specific type of tessellation or tiling pattern that follows certain mathematical rules defined by Archimedes.
The word "tessellation" comes from the Latin word "tessellatus", which means "made of small square stones or tiles". Tessellation refers to the process of creating a pattern using repeated geometrical shapes fitted closely together without any gaps or overlaps.
Therefore, "Archimedean tessellation" refers to a specific type of regular tiling pattern that exhibits the properties and rules formulated by Archimedes. These tessellations consist of multiple regular polygons, such as triangles, squares, and hexagons, that fit together without any gaps or overlaps.
