Why do honeybees love hexagons? - Zack Patterson and Andy Peterson
2,656,963 Views
14,713 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
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.
As you discovered in problem 6, if you keep the perimeter the same, you will increase the area of regular polygons as you add more sides. Using this understanding, explain why it makes sense that a circle maximizes the area for any given perimeter.
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
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
