In this activity, you will learn about rotations (turns). In a turn, an object will be moved around a specific point called a turn centre.

A rotation (turn) involves turning an original object around a turn centre to make a congruent (or identical) image of the original object in another location and facing another direction.

Rotations can be either clockwise or counterclockwise around a turn centre. Two of the most common rotations are 90° and 180°, but you can rotate an object at any degree of measure.

Image courtesy of K&E Studio

Look at the diagram below that shows a rotation of 90° around the centre of rotation. Look at how the coloured lines are the same distance from the centre of rotation in both shapes.

                         

In the example below, the shape has been rotated 180° around the centre of rotation.

 

Where the rotated shape is placed on graphing paper may vary, but the image of the actual rotation must be exact.

Now look at this shape:

Here is the rotation 90° clockwise about the origin:

Try This:

Rotate this shape 90° clockwise about the origin. Click here to access a copy to print.