A Lesson in Geometry
Another special aspect of the pieces is that all seven tans fit together to form a square. As mentioned, the individual tans can be defined by the number of small triangles that they are made up of.
Small triangle
Small triangle
Medium triangle
Square
Rhomboid
Large square
Large square
TOTAL
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
16
In this formation it is easy to imagine that the tangram is basically made up of 16 small triangles. From this we can correlate what fraction of the square area each of the tans comprises.
- The small triangles each form 1/16 of the square.
- The medium triangle forms 1/8 of the square.
- The square forms 1/8 of the square.
- The rhomboid forms 1/8 of the square.
- The large triangles each form 1/4 of the square.