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

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TEDEd Animation

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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.

If the following regular polygons all had the same perimeter, which one would have the greater area?

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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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