Unit 3 · Transformations

3.4Rotations

Quick Answer

A rotation turns a figure about a center point. Coordinate rules about the origin: 90° CCW: (x,y)→(−y,x); 180°: (x,y)→(−x,−y); 270° CCW (= 90° CW): (x,y)→(y,−x). Every point stays the same distance from the center.

Essential Question

How do coordinate rules for rotations about the origin change the coordinates of each point?

Learning Goals

  • 1Apply coordinate rules for 90°, 180°, and 270° rotations about the origin.
  • 2Rotate figures about points other than the origin.
  • 3Identify the angle and direction of rotation given a pre-image and image.
  • 4Verify that a rotation is a rigid motion.

Key Vocabulary

Rotation

A transformation that turns a figure about a fixed point (center of rotation) by a given angle.

Center of rotation

The fixed point about which a figure is rotated.

Angle of rotation

The number of degrees a figure is rotated.

Counterclockwise (CCW)

The positive direction of rotation (standard convention).

Full lesson content coming soon

Worked examples, guided practice problems, a workbook, quiz, and downloadable PDF resources will be added to this lesson in Phase 2. The learning goals and vocabulary above reflect the complete lesson scope.