Describe a Rotation

Describe a Rotation

A rotation turns a figure around a fixed point called the center of rotation. To describe one clearly, you usually need three pieces of information:

1. Center: the point the figure turns around.
2. Angle: how far it turns.
3. Direction: clockwise or counterclockwise.

How to solve

1. Find the center of the rotation. This is the point that stays in the same place.
2. Track one or two corresponding points on the original figure and its image.
3. Measure the turn from the original position to the new position. Use the smaller angle that matches the movement.
4. State the direction: clockwise or counterclockwise.
5. Write the description using the center, angle, and direction.

Helpful checks

• A rotation keeps lengths and angle measures the same.
• The point and its image should be the same distance from the center.
• If the figure seems to “spin” the other way, recheck the direction.

Example answer style

“Rotate 90° counterclockwise about point A.”

If the exercise asks for a simplified final answer, give only the essential rotation description and avoid extra explanation.