Dual pairs of polyhedra. Part 2
What is the relationship between an octahedron and a cube?
These two polyhedra have the following fundamental parameters:
|
The form of each side |
Triangle |
Square |
|
Number of sides |
8 |
6 |
|
Number of vertices |
6 |
8 |
If we pay attention to the number of sides and vertices of these two polyhedra, then they are the opposite.
On the basis of a hexahedron, an octahedron can be constructed. To do this, we select the center of the face on each of the 6 faces of the hexahedron. By connecting all the centers together we obtain an octahedron. This obtained octahedron is exactly inscribed in the original hexahedron.
A similar procedure can be done on an octahedron and get a cube out of it.
This property indicates that the octahedron and the hexahedron form a dual pair.
Video from our partners - the team "ART KOSEKOMA", clearly demonstrates this transformation.
An interesting feature in the transition from a cube to an octahedron is the appearance of three polyhedra belonging to the class of semi-regular ones, in other words Archimedean solids.
