Asymmetry: Definitions and Examples

Asymmetry: Definitions, Formulas, & Examples

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    Asymmetry is a term that refers to a lack of balance or equality between two or more things. It can be found in a wide range of fields, including mathematics, physics, art, and design. In this article, we will define asymmetry, provide five examples, and include a quiz to test your understanding of the concept.

    Definitions:

    • In mathematics, asymmetry refers to the property of a figure or function that is not symmetrical. A symmetrical figure or function is one that is unchanged when reflected or rotated.
    • In physics, asymmetry refers to the property of a system or object that is not invariant under certain transformations, such as reflection or rotation.
    • In art and design, asymmetry refers to the use of elements that are not balanced or evenly distributed on either side of a central axis. Asymmetrical compositions can be dynamic and visually interesting, as they often create a sense of tension or movement.

    Examples:

    1. In mathematics, the function y = x^2 is not symmetrical because it is not unchanged when reflected across the y-axis.
    2. In physics, a rocket is an example of an asymmetrical object because it is not invariant under rotation.
    3. In art, the Mona Lisa painting is an example of asymmetry because the subject is not centered within the frame and the elements within the painting are not evenly balanced.
    4. In design, a website with a navigation menu on the left side and content on the right side is an example of asymmetry.
    5. In nature, the human face is an example of asymmetry because the features are not perfectly symmetrical.

    Quiz:

    1. What does asymmetry refer to in mathematics?
    • A lack of balance or equality between two or more things
    • The property of a figure or function that is not symmetrical
    • The property of a system or object that is not invariant under certain transformations
    • The use of elements that are not balanced or evenly distributed on either side of a central axis
    1. In which field is asymmetry often used to create a sense of tension or movement?
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Art and design
    • Nature
    1. Is the Mona Lisa painting an example of asymmetry?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. Is the function y = x^2 symmetrical?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. Is a rocket an example of an asymmetrical object?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. Is the human face an example of asymmetry?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. Is a website with a navigation menu on the left side and content on the right side an example of asymmetry?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. In what field is asymmetry a property of a system or object that is not invariant under certain transformations?
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Art and design
    • Nature
    1. Is a symmetrical figure or function one that is unchanged when reflected or rotated?
    • Yes
    • No
    1. In which field is asymmetry the use of elements that are not balanced or evenly distributed on either side of a central axis?
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Art and design
    • Nature

    Asymmetry:

    Definition

    noun | (mathematics) a lack of symmetry

    Pronunciation

    , eys'imuhtree (IPA: ˌeɪsˈɪmətri)

    Hyphenation

    a-sym-me-try (9 letters | 4 syllables)

    First known use in English

    1652 (European Renaissance) (372 years ago)

    Word origin

    Modern Greek

    Word frequency history

    Word frequency history

    Inflected form

    asymmetries

    Synonyms

    dissymmetry | imbalance

    Antonym

    symmetry

    Narrower terms

    eyedness | footedness | geometrical irregularity | handedness | irregularity | laterality | lopsidedness | radial asymmetry | skewness (total: 9)

    Broader terms

    spatiality | spatial property

    Rhymes

    dissymmetry | symmetry
(based on typical American pronunciation)

    Lexically close words

    asymmetric

    Anagrams

    (none among common words)

    Translations

    Spanish: | asimetría (shape)
French: | asymétrie (shape)
Portuguese: | assimetria (shape)
German: | Asymmetrie (shape) | Ungleichförmigkeit (shape)
Japanese: | 不斉 (common noun) | 不均斉 (common noun) | 非対称 (common noun) | 不釣合い (adjectival nouns) | 不釣り合い (adjectival nouns)

    Other notable uses

    asymmetry.net | asymmetry.org | asymmetry.info | asymmetry.biz

    Crossword puzzle clues

    (none)

    Scrabble score

    19 (International English) | 19 (North American English)

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