rotational

Everyday

1. Rotational means to do with turning round a centre point. tree →
2. (maths) Rotational symmetry means a shape looks the same after being turned less than a full turn. tree →
3. Rotational means taking turns in a fixed order. tree →

In the lessons

In maths lessons «rotational symmetry» and «order of rotational symmetry»: a square has order 4. In everyday life, «rotational farming» (crop rotation), «a rotational timetable». Phrases: «rotational symmetry», «order of rotational symmetry».

Examples

• A square has rotational symmetry of order 4. tree →
• An equilateral triangle has rotational symmetry of order 3. tree →
• The letter S has rotational symmetry of order 2. tree →
• Rotational speed is how fast a wheel turns. tree →
• The class uses a rotational rota for jobs. tree →
• Does this star have rotational symmetry? tree →

Note

Adjective of «rotation». Order of rotational symmetry = how many times the shape fits onto itself in one full turn (360°). Every shape fits once at 360°, so a shape with «order 1» has no rotational symmetry.