The Perfect Perspective: A Mathematical Analysis of Perspective Using Tools Available to Middle School Students

Authors

W. Griffin, Liberty Middle School

Publication Date

2003

Abstract

This paper examines the basic properties of perspective drawings, the history of perspective drawings, and the basic mathematics of perspective. Using a side view and a top view of a three-dimensional projection, similar triangles can be used to find distances from the axes and vanishing point in a projection. By breaking the three-dimensional projection into two, two-dimensional planes, one can recreate projections based on actual figures, or create placements of figures in real space based on a projection. Using this method, one 'can change a projection based on the changing position of the vanishing point. This simple approach to perspective makes it accessible to students of different ability levels, as well as creating a strong connection between art and mathematics.

Volume

6

Issue

1

First Page

217

Last Page

239

Rights

© Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25891/NREM-S146

Recommended Citation

Griffin, W. (2003) "The Perfect Perspective: A Mathematical Analysis of Perspective Using Tools Available to Middle School Students," Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations: Vol. 6: No. 1, Article 21.
Available at: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/jmsce_vamsc/vol6/iss1/21