TAOCP 7.2.2.1 Exercise 386

Solution to TAOCP 7.2.2.1 Exercise 386.

Section 7.2.2.1: Dancing Links

Exercise 386. ▶ [M31] A polyomino can have eight different types of symmetry:

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii)
$\square$ (shape) (shape) (shape) (shape) (shape) (shape) (shape)
full 90° 180° biaxial bidiagonal axial diagonal none

(Case (i) is often called 8-fold symmetry; case (iii) is often called central symmetry; case (vi) is often called left-right symmetry. Cases (ii), (iv), (v) are 4-fold symmetries; cases (ii) and (iii) are rotation symmetries; cases (iv)–(vii) are reflection symmetries.) In each case an $n$-omino of that symmetry type has been shown, where $n$ is minimum.

How many symmetry types can a polyiamond or polyhex have? Give example $n$-iamonds and $n$-hexes of each type, where $n$ is minimum.

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Solve time: 3m21s