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Order of rotational symmetry of a rhombus

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Symmetry · Geometry

Step by step

The question

Question: what is the order of rotational symmetry of a rhombus?

1 Mark a corner

Put a dot on one corner, so we can follow it.

Then turn the shape about its center.

2 Turn and count

A quarter turn does not fit: the shape would not sit on itself.

After a half turn, it fits on itself again.

That is 1.

One more turn: the dot is back at the start.

That is 2.

3 The order

It fits 2 times in one full turn.

So the order is 2.

order = 2

Careful!

The start and the full turn are the same place.

Count it once.

Careful: not 3 ✗

4 Check

Let's check.

One full turn is 360 degrees.

Shared by 2, each turn is 180°.

each turn = 360°2 = 180°

2 turns of 180 degrees make 360 degrees: one full turn.

Right!

2 × 180° = 360°

Let's look back.

First: mark a corner.

Then: turn and count.

Then: the order.

Last: check.

Answer
order = 2

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Rectangle: order of rotational symmetry?
Show the answer
order = 2

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