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Attractive Rotations

Age 11 to 14
Challenge Level

Attractive Rotations printable sheet
Attractive Rotations printable sheet - extension


Take a look at the image below. How do you think it was created?

 

rotation pattern

Did you notice any symmetry in the image?
Does this help you to imagine how the image was made?


Here is a diagram which shows how we created the image. We started with a triangle (shaded) and then used the coordinate grid to help us to rotate it through multiples of $90^{\circ}$ around the point $(0,0)$.

 

 

 

how to make a rotation pictuer

 

 

 

Create some images of your own by rotating a shape through multiples of $90^{\circ}$.

 

You might like to start with a triangle as we did, or you might want to use other shapes.

 

How can you use a coordinate grid to help you to rotate each vertex around $(0,0)$?

 

What is the relationship between the coordinates of the vertices as they rotate through multiples of $90^{\circ}$?

 

Here are some more ideas to explore:

 

 

Can you use an isometric grid to rotate a shape through multiples of $60^{\circ}$?

 

 

Try creating some images based on other rotations, such as $30^{\circ}$ or $72^{\circ}$ or... (you will need to use a protractor for these).

What do you notice about the rotational symmetry of your images?

 

 

 

 

Here is the kind of image you could try to create:
rotation picture

What is the rotational symmetry of your final image if you rotate through multiples of $80^{\circ}$ or $135^{\circ}$? Can you explain why?

Send us pictures of your rotation patterns along with your interesting mathematical discoveries.

 

 

 

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.
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