Rotation - KS3 Maths - BBC Bitesize (2024)

A is one of the four types of .

• A rotation has a turning effect on a shape. The result is a shape.

• Rotation turns a shape around a fixed point called the . This point can be inside the shape, a of the shape or outside the shape.

• Rotations can be or and a multiple of 90° (90°, 180° or 270°) is used.

• To understand rotations, a good understanding of angles and rotational symmetry can be helpful.

To fully describe a rotation, it is necessary to specify the angle of rotation, the direction, and the point it has been rotated about.

When a shape about a central point the and the will always overlap.

A piece of tracing paper can be useful when plotting a rotation.

To work out the position of the new shape after a rotation:

1. Place the tracing paper over the shape.
2. Copy the shape on to the tracing paper.
3. Rotate the tracing paper in the correct direction and the specified angle, keeping the centre of rotation fixed.
4. The tracing paper now shows the position of the new shape.
5. Remove the tracing paper and draw the shape in its new location.

The location of the centre of affects the final position of the image. If the centre of rotation is a of the object, then that point will remain unchanged through the rotation.

It is possible to plot a rotation without tracing paper.

To work out the position of the new shape after a rotation:

1. Imagine a line from the centre of rotation to a vertex on the shape.
2. Rotate this line in the correct direction and the specified angle. keeping the centre of rotation fixed.
3. The end of this line will to the new location of that vertex.
4. Repeat the process for further vertices on the shape.

A gymnast is required to perform complicated tumbling when competing on a variety of apparatus or as a floor exercise. Many of these routines involve acrobatics where the competitor is rotating.

For example, on the pommel horse a gymnast can perform a move called circles. Circles requires the competitor to rotate or swing their legs around the apparatus whilst alternating their hand positions on the pommels (handles). Some events require an elaborate dismount. This could include a somersault where a person’s body rotates 360°.