Lines can dance! A zigzag line goes up and down with sharp points, like teeth. A wavy line goes up and down with smooth bumps, like water. A spiral winds around and around, like a snail shell.
Key idea
Zigzag lines have sharp points. Wavy lines have smooth bumps. Spirals go around and around.
Why it works
Different lines make us feel different things. Zigzags look fast and sharp, like lightning. Wavy lines look calm and flowing, like the sea.
Common mistake
Zigzag and wavy lines both go up and down, so they are easy to mix up. Look at the tops: sharp corners make a zigzag; smooth, round bumps make a wavy line.
Worked example: Let's look
What kind of line does the edge of a row of pointy mountains make?
- The mountains go up to sharp tops and down again.
- Sharp points make a zigzag.
Answer: A zigzag line.