Rotational Symmetry

Rotational symmetry is a property of a shape or design that remains unchanged when rotated about a fixed point. The fixed point is called the center of rotation. A shape has rotational symmetry if it fits onto itself one or more times during a full 360° rotation. The number of times a shape fits onto itself during a full rotation is called the order of rotational symmetry.

How to Determine Rotational Symmetry

To determine if a shape has rotational symmetry, follow these steps:

1. Identify the center of rotation.
2. Rotate the shape 360° around the center of rotation.
3. Count the number of times the shape fits onto itself during the rotation. This number is the order of rotational symmetry.

Examples of Rotational Symmetry

Some examples of shapes with rotational symmetry:

• A square has rotational symmetry of order 4, as it fits onto itself four times during a full 360° rotation.
• An equilateral triangle has rotational symmetry of order 3, as it fits onto itself three times during a full 360° rotation.
• A circle has rotational symmetry of infinite order, as it fits onto itself at every angle during a full 360° rotation.

Study Guide for Rotational Symmetry

When studying rotational symmetry, it's important to understand the following key points:

1. The definition of rotational symmetry and the center of rotation.
2. The concept of order of rotational symmetry and how to determine it for various shapes.
3. Practice identifying and drawing shapes with different orders of rotational symmetry.
4. Understanding the difference between shapes with different orders of rotational symmetry.

By mastering these concepts, you will be able to identify and analyze rotational symmetry in various geometric shapes and designs.

Remember to practice with different shapes and patterns to solidify your understanding of rotational symmetry.

[Rotational Symmetry] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Patterns in geometryMathematics • Eighth Grade