NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Math-Magic: Chapter 5 — Does it Look the Same? 5
This chapter, 'Does it Look the Same?' from NCERT's Class 5 Mathematics Math-Magic textbook, introduces the concept of symmetry and mirror halves. It begins with an activity involving making patterns from a drop of colour, demonstrating how folding and pressing a coloured drop can create symmetrical designs. The chapter then delves into understanding mirror halves by examining shapes and dotted lines. Students learn to differentiate between shapes where one half perfectly covers the other (mirror halves) and those where they do not. It encourages observation of symmetry based on both shape and colour schemes, highlighting that asymmetry can arise from colour patterns even in symmetric shapes. This foundational understanding of symmetry is crucial for developing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Math-Magic |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Does it Look the Same? 5 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 247 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of mirror halves and symmetry.
- Identify shapes that have mirror halves.
- Differentiate between mirror halves and non-mirror halves.
- Create symmetrical patterns using colour drops.
- Recognize how colour schemes can affect symmetry.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pattern | A repeated decorative design or arrangement. |
| Symmetry | The quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis. |
| Mirror halves | Two parts of a shape that are identical and can be superimposed on each other when folded along a line. |
| Dotted line | A line made of dots, often used to indicate a fold or division. |
| Asymmetric | Lacking symmetry; not symmetrical. |
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Practice questions
- What is a mirror half? Answer: A mirror half is one of two identical parts of a shape that are equal and opposite, such that one half can cover the other completely when folded along a line.
- How can you make a pattern using a drop of colour? Answer: Fold a sheet of paper in half, put a drop of colour on the middle line, fold it again, press to spread the colour, and then open it to see the pattern.
- What does the dotted line show in the context of symmetry? Answer: The dotted line often shows the line of symmetry, along which a shape can be folded to get mirror halves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 5 Mathematics Chapter 5?
The main topic is understanding symmetry and mirror halves, and how shapes look the same when divided.
What activity is suggested in the chapter to make patterns?
The chapter suggests making patterns from a drop of colour by folding and pressing a coloured drop on paper.
How can we check if a shape has mirror halves?
We can check by folding the shape along a dotted line. If one half covers the other completely, they are mirror halves.
Can colour schemes make a shape asymmetric even if its shape is symmetric?
Yes, the text mentions that the colour scheme can make a figure asymmetric even if the shape itself is symmetric.
What is the purpose of the dotted line in the chapter?
The dotted line is used to show the line along which a shape can be folded to check for mirror halves or symmetry.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Mathematics — Math-Magic — Chapter 5 — Does it Look the Same? 5. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.