Skill: Match shapes after rotation

A turn changes which way a shape faces, but it does not change the shape itself.

To match a shape after a turn:

1. Look at the number of parts and corners.
2. Notice which sides are longer or shorter.
3. Imagine turning the whole shape around one point.
4. Check that the new shape has the same parts and side lengths.
5. Make sure it has not been flipped over or made bigger.

Example

The shape is made of four equal squares:

■■
■
■

Which shape shows a quarter-turn clockwise?

Choice 1

■■■
..■

Choice 2

■■■
■..

Choice 3

■■■
■■

Step 1: Count the squares.
The original shape has $4$ squares. Choice 1 and Choice 2 also have $4$ squares. Choice 3 has $5$, so it cannot match.

Step 2: Notice the arms.
The original has one long arm going down and a shorter arm going right from the top.

Step 3: Turn the whole shape clockwise.
The long arm now goes across the top, and the shorter arm goes down from the right end:

■■■
..■

This is Choice 1.

Choice 2 has the bend facing the opposite way. It is a flipped shape, not a turn. The correct match is Choice 1.