[Math] Symmetries of a rectangle

group-theorysymmetry

I am currently bginner studying abstract algebra. And while studying groups and symmetries of rectangle, I found that there are only four symmetries of rectangle mentioned namely: identity, 180 degrees rotation, vertical reflection and horizontal reflection. But, why are not reflections along diagonals included?

EDIT: thanks for the comments. I just realized that along the diagonals, rectangle does not have symmetry.

Best Answer

The reflections along diagonals are not symmetries of a general rectangle - they "exchange" (imperfectly except for a square) the long side and the short side.

To have a symmetry by reflection in a diagonal the adjacent sides have to be the same length.

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