How to Perform Rotations About the Origin

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video provides a comprehensive tutorial on performing geometric rotations of shapes on a coordinate plane. The instructor, Justin, guides viewers through the core concepts of rotation, specifically focusing on rotating figures 90, 180, and 270 degrees about the origin. The video utilizes a clever "paper turning" technique to help students visualize how coordinates change during rotation without needing to memorize complex algebraic rules immediately. The content covers essential vocabulary such as "center of rotation," "clockwise (CW)," "counterclockwise (CCW)," "preimage," "image," "isometry," and "invariant points." It clarifies standard mathematical conventions, such as the default direction of rotation being counterclockwise when not specified. Through three distinct examples, the video demonstrates the equivalence between different rotations (e.g., 90° CCW is the same as 270° CW) and explores special cases where points located on the center of rotation remain fixed. This resource is highly valuable for middle and high school geometry classrooms. It bridges the gap between physical manipulation and abstract coordinate geometry. Teachers can use this video to introduce the concept of transformations or as a remediation tool for students struggling to visualize rotations. The step-by-step guided practice format allows for active participation, making it ideal for a flipped classroom model or independent study station.