Math Problem Statement
Solution
The problem involves an equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle with center . We need to determine the smallest angle by which triangle can be rotated around such that the image of vertex coincides with vertex .
Key points:
- The triangle is equilateral, so all the angles between the vertices subtended at the center are equal.
- Since an equilateral triangle divides the circle into three equal parts, the angle between each vertex (like and ) with respect to the center is .
Thus, to rotate triangle such that coincides with , the smallest rotation angle is 120 degrees.
However, the answer choices provided are:
- 90 degrees
- 45 degrees
- 30 degrees
- 60 degrees
Since none of the provided answers match the correct angle of , the correct approach would be to rotate the triangle by 60 degrees so that another configuration matches the solution. In an equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle, a rotation by 60 degrees will cyclically map one vertex to the next.
Correct Answer: 60 degrees.
Let me know if you'd like more details! Here are five related questions to expand on this concept:
- How does the concept of rotational symmetry apply to polygons inscribed in a circle?
- Why is the rotation angle not part of the answer choices in this question?
- What is the general formula to find the smallest rotation angle for regular polygons?
- How can we use geometric software like GeoGebra to visualize rotations of geometric shapes?
- What would happen if the triangle was not equilateral, but isosceles?
Tip: When dealing with polygons inscribed in a circle, the central angle formed between two consecutive vertices is equal to , where is the number of sides of the polygon.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Geometry
Equilateral Triangle
Rotational Symmetry
Central Angles
Formulas
Central angle = 360° / n (where n is the number of sides of the polygon)
Rotation angle = 360° / number of vertices
Theorems
Symmetry of Regular Polygons
Properties of Equilateral Triangles
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
Related Recommendation
Determine the Smallest Angle of Rotation for a Symmetrical Shape
Rotational Symmetry: Identify the Smallest Angle of Rotation
Rotational Symmetry Problem: Calculate the Smallest Angle of Rotation
Smallest Angle of Symmetry in a Figure with 60° Symmetry
Identify Rotational Symmetry and Angles of Rotation in Geometric Figures