What is a rotation?

A rotation is a transformation that turns a shape around a fixed point, called the centre of rotation, by a certain angle. The shape does not change size or shape, it only faces a new direction. A quarter turn is 90° and a half turn is 180°.

Examples

• Turning the hands of a clock is a rotation.
• A half turn (180°) of an arrow makes it point the opposite way.
• A shape rotated a full turn (360°) lands back where it started.

Quick facts

• Rotations can be clockwise or anticlockwise.
• A rotation does not change a shape's size.