Rotational symmetry
Shapes that look the same when you turn them, and the order of rotational symmetry. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
Rotational symmetry
A shape has rotational symmetry if it looks exactly the same before you have turned it a full turn (360°). The order of rotational symmetry is the number of times the shape looks exactly the same as you turn it through one full turn.
| Shape | Order of rotational symmetry |
|---|---|
| square | 4 (every ¼ turn) |
| rectangle | 2 (every ½ turn) |
| equilateral triangle | 3 |
| regular hexagon | 6 |
| parallelogram | 2 |
| isosceles triangle | no rotational symmetry |
A parallelogram has no line of symmetry, but it does have rotational symmetry of order 2.
Trace the shape on see-through paper, put your pencil on the centre and turn slowly. Count how many times it fits exactly before you are back at the start.
Remember this and test yourself
- Rotational symmetry: the shape looks the same before a full turn.
- Order = how many times it fits in one full turn.
- Square order 4; rectangle order 2.
- Parallelogram: no line of symmetry, but order 2.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Turn and count: how many times does it fit in one full turn?
Important words
First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Rotational symmetry- Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.