Rotations

A rotation is a kind of turn in math. A shape spins around a fixed point. That point is called the center of rotation. The shape does not change size or shape. It just faces a different direction after turning.

How Rotations Work

Rotations are measured in degrees. A full turn is 360 degrees. A half turn is 180 degrees. A quarter turn is 90 degrees. Rotations can go clockwise, which is the way a clock moves. They can also go counterclockwise, which is the other way.

Rotations in Real Life

Rotations happen all around you. The hands of a clock rotate all day. A ferris wheel rotates to give riders a fun trip. Wheels on a car rotate to make it move. Even the Earth rotates once every day. Knowing about rotations helps in games, art, and engineering.

Fun Facts

• The Earth rotates once every 24 hours.
• A skater doing a 360 makes one full rotation.
• Ceiling fans use rotation to cool a room.

Did You Know?

Some shapes, like a square, look the same after a rotation of 90 degrees. This is called rotational symmetry.