Rotation on a Plane | Using Rotation Matrix and Point Rotation

  • Thread starter Thread starter lendav_rott
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plane Rotation
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves rotating a polygon defined by its corners on the X-Y plane around a specific point using a rotation matrix. The original poster describes the coordinates of the corners and their intention to rotate the shape clockwise by 70 degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a rotation matrix to rotate the corners of the polygon around point A. They express uncertainty about how to perform this rotation around a point other than the origin. They also question the behavior of the rotation matrix when applied in different orders, leading to confusion about the direction of rotation.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide clarifications regarding the properties of the rotation matrix, including its orthogonality and the relationship between the rotation and its transpose. The discussion includes acknowledgment of the shape's classification and some exploration of its properties, but no consensus on the original poster's confusion has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a revelation about their approach to using the rotation matrix and expresses a desire to understand the implications of their findings regarding clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. There is a light-hearted acknowledgment of the shape not being a perfect square, which may influence the interpretation of the problem.

lendav_rott
Messages
232
Reaction score
10

Homework Statement


On a X-Y plane we have a square with its 4 corners A(3,1) B(7,3) C(2,6) D(0,2).
We are to rotate the rest of the square around the point A clockwise by 70 degrees.



Homework Equations


(I am not sure how they are called in English)
The rotation matrix 2x2 1st row: cosa ,-sina 2nd row: sina, cosa - call it G(a) so that
X' = G(a) * X


The Attempt at a Solution


I know how to use this matrix transposition or conversion (not sure how it is called) when I am rotating a vector around the 0-point, but I don't know how to rotate a vector around a point on the plane.


EDIT: Just as I posted this I got a revelation - I will Rotate the vector AB using the rotation matrix and then add point A's x and y coordinate respectively to the product of the matrixes. And all the same with the other corners - construct vector AC AD and deja vu.

Now there is a question:
When I do the product of G(a) * A , where A is the vector matrix - the vector spins counterclockwise, but when I do the product of AT * G(a) - the vector spins clockwise. I don't understand why - does it mean that AT * G(a) = G(-a) * A?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, the rotation matrix,
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}cos(\theta) & -sin(\theta) \\ sin(\theta) & cos(\theta)\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
is orthogonal- its columns or rows, considered as vectors, are "orthonormal", perpendicular and of length 1.

Also, the transpose is, as you say, equal to the reverse rotation:
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}cos(\theta) & sin(\theta) \\ -sin(\theta) & cos(\theta)\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}cos(-\theta) & -sin(-\theta) \\ sin(-\theta) & cos(-\theta)\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
because cosine is an "even" function and sine is an "odd" function:
[itex]cos(-\theta)= cos(\theta)[/itex] and [itex]sin(-\theta)= -sin(\theta)[/itex].
 
lendav_rott said:
On a X-Y plane we have a square with its 4 corners A(3,1) B(7,3) C(2,6) D(0,2).
Funny looking square!
 
Yes I know it's not a square :D But that's what the assignment said, it's not important though. I guess you can call it a polygonia or however it is called in English :/

Also thanks HallsofIvy - read some about it and played around with the numbers a bit and I understand how it works :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K