Square Coordinates
Why do this problem?
This problem emphasises to students that squares don't just exist in their usual orientation. It goes well with the game Square It
Possible approach
Display the interactivity. Ask for volunteers to move the corners to make a different square.
Fix a couple of corners and challenge students to complete the square.
Set students to work in pairs (ideally at computers) practising making squares until they can answer the key questions below. Suggest they make a variety of squares of different sizes and note down the sets of coordinates of their completed squares.
This could lead to a plenary discussion or, when appropriate, challenge students to work away from the computer on the final questions in the problem. This sheet provides further practice with tilted squares, but without reference to their co-ordinates.
Key questions
Possible extension
Possible support
Students can answer the last four questions by plotting the points provided and boxing them in to decide whether they make a square.
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