A common example of rotational symmetry is a square.
Rotational symmetry is a type of symmetry where a figure looks the same after being rotated by a certain amount around a central point. Unlike reflectional symmetry (like a mirror image), it's about the ability to turn something and have it match its original appearance.
Examples of Rotational Symmetry
Many shapes and objects in the world exhibit rotational symmetry. Based on the provided reference, here are two clear examples:
- A Square: As a square rotates around its center, it will appear exactly the same in four different positions before returning to its original starting point. This characteristic means a square has rotational symmetry.
- A Regular Star (e.g., a Five-Pointed Star): A regular star with five points also has rotational symmetry. According to the reference, it "will look exactly the same as it rotates five different times."
Understanding the Order of Rotation
The reference introduces the concept of the "order of rotation." This refers to the number of times a figure looks the same during one complete 360-degree rotation.
- Square: The reference states, "as a square rotates, it will look exactly the same in four different positions. The order of rotation for a square is four."
- Regular Star: Similarly, for a regular star, the reference notes, "A regular star has five points and will look exactly the same as it rotates five different times. Therefore, a star has an order of five with rotational symmetry."
This "order" tells us how many identical orientations the shape has within a full turn.
Summary of Examples and Order
Here's a quick look at the examples provided and their rotational properties:
| Shape | Example of Rotational Symmetry? | Order of Rotation |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Yes | 4 |
| Regular Star | Yes | 5 |
In simple terms, rotational symmetry means you can spin the shape less than a full circle, and it will look exactly like it did when you started. The square and the regular star are excellent visual examples of this property.
