S2 New Curriculum O-level mathematics
Term 2
Theme: Geometry and measures
Chapter 9: Rotations
In math, rotation is a transformation that turns a shape around a fixed point called the
center of rotation.
Properties of rotation
- All points and edges of an object turn through the same angle.
- The object and its image are congruent. That is, they have the same shape and size –
they only change position.
Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation
Clockwise rotation occurs in the same direction of as the hands of the clock while
anticlockwise occur in opposite direction. However, anticlockwise rotation is taken to be
positive while clockwise rotation is negative.
Rotational Symmetry
Rotation symmetry occurs when an object and its image can fit exactly on each other after
rotation in a particular direction around a point e.g. circles, squares, rhombus, fan and wind
mill blades, etc.
Below is an example of rotational symmetry shown by a starfish. If the starfish is turned
around point P, it looks similar from all directions.
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Order and angle of Rotational Symmetry
The order of rotation is the number of time a geometrical figure looks exactly the same or
fits exactly on the original figure when rotated through 3600.
The angle of rotational symmetry is defined as the smallest angle at which the figure can be
rotated to coincide with itself.
Example 1
(a) The order of rotation symmetry of an arrow is 1 and the angle of rotation symmetry
is 3600 as illustrated below
(b) The order of rotation symmetry of a star fish is 5 and the angle of rotation symmetry
is 720 (or 360/5) as illustrated below
Trial 2
Determine the order and angle of rotation symmetry in the following figures
Rotation on the Cartesian plane
Center of rotation: The point the shape spins around (often the origin (0,0)(0,0)).
Angle of rotation: Measured in degrees—common ones are 900, 1800, 2700, and 3600.
Direction: Either clockwise or counterclockwise.
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Rotation Rules on the Cartesian Plane
Rotation Type Rule for Point (x,y)(x, y) → New Point (x′,y′)(x', y')
900 clockwise (x′,y′) = (y, -x)
900 counterclockwise (x′,y′)= (-y, x)
1800 (x′,y′)= (-x, -y)
2700 clockwise (x′,y′)= (-y, x)
2700 counterclockwise (x′,y′)= (y, -x)
Tips
Rotations preserve distance and angle—so the shape remains congruent.
A full rotation (3600) brings the shape back to its original position.
Example 2
Use a squared paper to represent rotation of a triangle A(1,2), B (1,4), C(5, 2) by
(i) 900 clockwise about the origin:
A( ) → B’( )
B( ) → B’( )
C( ) → B’( )
(ii) 1800 clockwise about the origin
A( ) → B’’( )
B( ) → B’’( )
C( ) → B’’( )
(iii) 270 clockwise about the origin
A( ) → B’’’( )
B( ) → B’’’( )
C( ) → B’’’( )
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Trial 2
Use a squared paper to represent rotation of the following figures through 900, 1800 and
2700
(a) a triangle A(2,3), B (2,4), C(5, 2) anticlockwise
(b) Triangle P(-2, 1), Q(0, 2) and R(1,2) clockwise
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Dr. Bbosa Science
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