Using Analogies
in Mathematics Classes
by Charlotte Evans Copley   Virginia Mathematics Teacher   Spring 1989



Analogies require learners to use analytical skills.

To understand analogies, students should be familiar with vocabulary but must also understand relationships, such as comparing, contrasting, and sequencing.

In introducing a math lesson on analogies, you may wish to start with some simple examples from other disciplines, such as:

Hot is to Soup as Cold is to _____ .

4 : 12 :: 1 : _____ .

Here are some examples of kinds of relationships that can be presented to the students:

1. Purpose Relationship
    ruler : line :: compass : circle

2. Part : Whole Relationship
    ray : line :: arc : circle

3. Part : Part Relationship
    vertex : side :: center : radius

4. Cause : Effect
    5 : 25 :: 25 : 625

5. Action to Object Relationship
    bisect : segment :: prove : theorem

    or the reverse:
    equation : solve :: perpendicular :
    construct

6. Position Relationship
    perimeter : surrounding :: area :
    interior

7. Degree Relationship
    cm : km :: oz : ton

8. Synonym Relationship
    cube : hexahedron :: average : mean

9. Antonym Relationship
    parallel : intersecting :: acute : obtuse

10. Charisteristic Relationship
    square : rectangle :: rhombus :
    parallelogram

11. Sequence Relationship
    mono : bi :: tri : quad

12. Numerical Relationship
    1/2 : 50% :: 1/3 : 33 1/3%

  Click here for a worksheet on math analogies



Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher