Shapes can tile a surface if they fit together perfectly with no gaps or overlaps. Imagine you have squares like floor tiles, each one fits snugly next to the others, just like building blocks. But if you try using pentagons, some might leave small spaces in between. It all depends on how sharp or curved the sides of the shape are.
Examples
- Floor tiles that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps
- Puzzle pieces that leave tiny spaces between them when you try to match just one shape
- A beehive where each hexagon fits neatly beside the others
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See also
- Why Do Shapes Tile the Plane Perfectly?
- What Is A Tessellation In Math?
- Why Do Patterns Pop Up Everywhere?
- What Is the Golden Rectangle?
- Why Do Shapes Fit Together Perfectly Sometimes?