Tessellations?

Date: 8/29/96 at 10:11:52
From: Anonymous
Subject: What are tessellations?

Dear Dr. Math,

I need to know what tessellations are. 

Thanks,
   dbush

Date: 8/29/96 at 13:5:42
From: Doctor Sarah
Subject: Re: What are tessellations?

Hi there -

A dictionary will tell you that the word "tessellate" means to form or 
arrange small pieces (like squares) in a checkered or mosaic pattern. 
The word "tessellate" is derived from the Ionic version of the Greek 
word "tesseres," which in English means "four."

In middle school mathematics a regular tessellation is a tiling of the 
plane using a square, triangle, or hexagon, where the geometric 
figures fit together without leaving any spaces.

You can use your Web browser to read Suzanne Alejandre's extensive 
Math Forum Web unit - it will even show you how to make your own 
tessellations and will give you links to other interesting sites.

  http://mathforum.org/sum95/suzanne/tess.intro.html   

This unit was one of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse's "Digital 
Dozen" for May, 1996.

-Doctor Sarah,  The Math Forum
 Check out our web site!  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/