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Why do honeybees love hexagons? - Zack Patterson and Andy Peterson

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Honeybees are some of nature’s finest mathematicians. Not only can they calculate angles and comprehend the roundness of the earth, these smart insects build and live in one of the most mathematically efficient architectural designs around: the beehive. Zack Patterson and Andy Peterson delve into the very smart geometry behind the honeybee’s home.

An equilateral triangle and a square both have a perimeter of 12 units. What is the area of both polygons? Do you think that the area of a regular hexagon would be greater than, less than, or in between the areas of the square and and triangle? Why?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Zack Patterson, Andy Peterson
  • Director Biljana Labović
  • Animation Artist Lisa LaBracio
  • Narrator Michelle Snow

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