The number of lines of symmetry of a rectangle is

Options

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 4

Answer

To find the number of lines of symmetry in a rectangle, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Line of Symmetry
A line of symmetry is a line that divides a shape into two identical parts that are mirror images of each other.

**Hint:** Think of folding a shape along a line. If both halves match perfectly, that line is a line of symmetry.

### Step 2: Draw a Rectangle
Let's draw a rectangle. Label the corners as A, B, C, and D, where:
- A is the top left corner
- B is the top right corner
- C is the bottom right corner
- D is the bottom left corner

**Hint:** Visualizing the shape will help you understand how it can be divided.

### Step 3: Identify Possible Lines of Symmetry
Now, we will look for lines that can divide the rectangle into two equal halves:
1. **Vertical Line of Symmetry:** Draw a vertical line down the center of the rectangle. This line divides the rectangle into two equal halves (left and right).
2. **Horizontal Line of Symmetry:** Draw a horizontal line across the center of the rectangle. This line divides the rectangle into two equal halves (top and bottom).

**Hint:** Try to imagine folding the rectangle along these lines. If the two halves match, then it is a line of symmetry.

### Step 4: Check for Diagonal Lines of Symmetry
Now, let's consider drawing diagonal lines from corner to corner (A to C and B to D). When you fold the rectangle along these diagonal lines, the two halves do not match perfectly.

**Hint:** Remember, for a line to be a line of symmetry, the two halves must overlap perfectly when folded.

### Step 5: Conclusion
After analyzing the rectangle, we find that:
- There are **two lines of symmetry** in a rectangle: one vertical and one horizontal.

Thus, the number of lines of symmetry of a rectangle is **2**.

**Final Answer:** The number of lines of symmetry of a rectangle is **2**.