Tessellation refers to the process or the result of covering a plane (or another surface) with congruent shapes (tiles) without any overlaps or gaps.
Here are some key points about tessellations:
* Congruent shapes: All the tiles used in a tessellation must be the same size and shape.
* No gaps or overlaps: The tiles must fit together perfectly, leaving no spaces between them and not overlapping.
* Plane: Tessellations typically cover a flat surface, but they can also be applied to curved surfaces.
Examples of tessellations:
* Honeycomb: A natural example of hexagonal tessellation.
* Floor tiles: Commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
* Artworks: Artists often use tessellations to create patterns and designs.
* Geometric patterns: Many geometric shapes can be used to create tessellations, such as squares, triangles, and hexagons.
Fun fact: The famous Dutch artist M.C. Escher was renowned for his intricate tessellations, often featuring animals or other unusual shapes.