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What is an Example of Rotation on a Coordinate Plane?

Published in Coordinate Plane Rotation 3 mins read

An example of rotation on a coordinate plane involves turning a point or shape around a fixed point, called the center of rotation, by a specific angle and in a particular direction.

Understanding Rotation

Rotation is a fundamental type of transformation in geometry. Unlike translations (slides) or reflections (flips), rotation involves pivoting an object. Key aspects of a rotation include:

  • Center of Rotation: The fixed point around which the object turns. Often, this is the origin (0,0) on a coordinate plane, but it can be any point.
  • Angle of Rotation: The number of degrees the object is turned. Common angles are 90°, 180°, and 270°.
  • Direction of Rotation: Whether the rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise. Counterclockwise rotation is usually considered the positive direction.

A Specific Example of Rotation

Based on the provided reference, here is a clear example of a point being rotated on a coordinate plane:

Rotate the point (5, 8) about the origin 270° clockwise.

Let's break down this example:

  1. Original Point: The point being rotated is P(5, 8). Here, the x-coordinate is 5 and the y-coordinate is 8.
  2. Center of Rotation: The rotation is performed "about the origin," which is the point (0,0).
  3. Angle and Direction: The rotation is 270 degrees in the clockwise direction.

Applying the Rotation Rule

The reference provides a specific rule for rotating an object 270° clockwise about the origin:

  • Rule: Take the opposite value of the x-coordinate and then switch it with the y-coordinate.

Let's apply this rule to our point (5, 8):

  • The original x-coordinate is 5. Its opposite value is -5.
  • The original y-coordinate is 8.
  • According to the rule, we switch the coordinates and use the opposite of the original x-coordinate in the new y-position.

So, the new point, P', is obtained by swapping the coordinates (y, x) and negating the original x-coordinate in its new position: (y, -x).

Applying this to (5, 8):

  • The new x-coordinate becomes the original y-coordinate, which is 8.
  • The new y-coordinate becomes the opposite of the original x-coordinate, which is -5.

Therefore, the rotated point is (8, -5).

Here's a summary in a table:

Aspect Before Rotation After Rotation
Original Point (x, y) (5, 8)
Rotation Parameters Origin (0,0), 270° Clockwise
Rule Applied Swap coordinates, negate original x
Rotated Point (x', y') (8, -5)

This example clearly demonstrates how a point's coordinates change when subjected to a specific rotation around the origin on a coordinate plane.

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