Step by step
The question
Question: how many lines of symmetry does a square have?
1 Try the folds
Imagine folding the shape along a line.
If the two halves match exactly, it is a line of symmetry.
Fold through the middles of two opposite sides.
The halves match: line 1.
Fold through two opposite corners.
The halves match: line 2.
Fold through the middles of two opposite sides.
The halves match: line 3.
Fold through two opposite corners.
The halves match: line 4.
2 Count the lines
We found 4.
So a square has 4 lines of symmetry.
lines of symmetry = 4
Careful!
Do not stop at the folds through the corners.
The folds through the middles of the sides count too: 4, not 2.
Careful: not 2 ✗
3 Check
Let's check: a regular shape has as many lines of symmetry as sides.
4 sides, 4 lines.
Right!
4 sides → 4 lines
Let's look back.
First: try the folds.
Then: count the lines.
Last: check.
Answer
lines of symmetry = 4