📚 Topic Summary
Rotational symmetry, also known as radial symmetry, exists when a shape or object looks the same after being rotated by a certain angle. The order of rotational symmetry refers to the number of times the shape looks identical during a full 360-degree rotation. For high school geometry, understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing geometric figures and their properties.
This worksheet will test your understanding of rotational symmetry through vocabulary, fill-in-the-blank questions, and critical thinking exercises. Get ready to sharpen your geometry skills!
🔤 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Rotational Symmetry |
A. The point around which a shape is rotated. |
| 2. Order of Symmetry |
B. A transformation in which a figure is turned about a fixed point. |
| 3. Center of Rotation |
C. The number of times a shape looks identical during a full rotation. |
| 4. Angle of Rotation |
D. Symmetry around a central point such that the object looks the same after a certain amount of rotation. |
| 5. Rotation |
E. The smallest angle required for a shape to look the same after rotation. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct terms:
A shape has rotational symmetry if it looks the same after a __________. The __________ is the point around which the shape is rotated. The __________ tells us how many times the shape looks identical during a complete rotation. The __________ is the number of degrees a shape is rotated. For example, a square has an order of symmetry of __________, because it looks the same four times during a 360-degree rotation.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how understanding rotational symmetry can be helpful in real-world applications. Provide at least two examples.