Rotational symmetry
Name: _____________________ Date: __________
Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.
1. Imagine turning this shape through one full turn about its centre. How many times does it look exactly the same? (This is its order of rotational symmetry.)
2. Imagine turning this shape through one full turn about its centre. How many times does it look exactly the same? (This is its order of rotational symmetry.)
3. Imagine turning this shape through one full turn about its centre. How many times does it look exactly the same? (This is its order of rotational symmetry.)
4. Imagine turning this shape through one full turn about its centre. How many times does it look exactly the same? (This is its order of rotational symmetry.)
5. Imagine turning this shape through one full turn about its centre. How many times does it look exactly the same? (This is its order of rotational symmetry.)
Answer key · Rotational symmetry
1. 2
Turn it a little at a time through one full turn about its centre.
It fits onto itself after every 180° turn: 180°, 360°.
It fits 2 times in a full turn, so the order is 2.
2. 2
Turn it a little at a time through one full turn about its centre.
It fits onto itself after every 180° turn: 180°, 360°.
It fits 2 times in a full turn, so the order is 2.
3. 4
Turn it a little at a time through one full turn about its centre.
It fits onto itself after every 90° turn: 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°.
It fits 4 times in a full turn, so the order is 4.
4. 3
Turn it a little at a time through one full turn about its centre.
It fits onto itself after every 120° turn: 120°, 240°, 360°.
It fits 3 times in a full turn, so the order is 3.
5. 2
Turn it a little at a time through one full turn about its centre.
It fits onto itself after every 180° turn: 180°, 360°.
It fits 2 times in a full turn, so the order is 2.
Try it together
Choose a question from the printable. Use objects or a drawing to show your thinking, then explain your method to someone at home.