Thread: Rotations

I know that when we rotate an object around a point when the degree is positive we rotate the object counter-clockwise, when the degree is negative we rotate the figure clockwise

Why do we rotate clockwise when the degree is negative?

Why do we rotate counter clockwise when the degree is positive?

Thanks

i don't think there's a mathematical reason behind it, i think it's just what a bunch of mathematicians and scientists agreed to.

Originally Posted by algebraisabeast

I know that when we rotate an object around a point when the degree is positive we rotate the object counter-clockwise, when the degree is negative we rotate the figure clockwise
Why do we rotate clockwise when the degree is negative?
Why do we rotate counter clockwise when the degree is positive?

Because rotations are done with a matrix using the sine and cosine functions.
If you understand the definitions of these circular functions then that makes sense to you.