Math Problem Statement

Which of the following transformations carry this regular polygon onto itself?

Solution

The question asks which transformations carry the given regular polygon (a hexagon) onto itself. Let us analyze the options:

  1. Rotation of 300° clockwise:
    A hexagon is symmetric and can be rotated by multiples of 360°/6=60°360°/6 = 60° to map onto itself. A 300° clockwise rotation is equivalent to 360°300°=60°360° - 300° = 60° counterclockwise, which maps the hexagon onto itself.
    ✅ Correct.

  2. Reflection across \ell:
    Regular polygons are symmetric along their axes of symmetry. The line \ell shown in the image appears to be one such axis of symmetry for this hexagon. Reflecting across \ell maps the hexagon onto itself.
    ✅ Correct.

  3. Rotation of 300° counterclockwise:
    A 300° counterclockwise rotation is equivalent to 360°300°=60°360° - 300° = 60° clockwise. As previously established, rotations by multiples of 60° map the hexagon onto itself.
    ✅ Correct.

  4. Rotation of 120° clockwise:
    Rotating the hexagon by 120° clockwise (which is 2×60°2 \times 60°) is another valid transformation because it corresponds to one-third of a full rotation, which maps the hexagon onto itself.
    ✅ Correct.

Thus, all the listed transformations carry the hexagon onto itself.


Would you like more detailed explanations?

Related Questions:

  1. What are the general rules for symmetries of regular polygons?
  2. How can you determine the number of lines of symmetry for a regular polygon?
  3. Why does a 300° clockwise rotation match a 60° counterclockwise rotation?
  4. Can any irregular polygon have the same rotational symmetry as a regular hexagon?
  5. How is reflection symmetry connected to rotational symmetry in polygons?

Tip:

For regular polygons with nn sides, rotations by 360°/n360°/n and reflections across axes of symmetry are always valid transformations that map the shape onto itself.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Symmetry
Rotations
Reflections
Regular Polygons

Formulas

Rotation angle for regular polygons = 360°/n, where n is the number of sides

Theorems

Symmetry of Regular Polygons
Properties of Rotational Symmetry
Properties of Reflection Symmetry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12