when doing rotations do you go clockwise or counterclockwise?
Just like in trigonometry, a counterclockwise rotation is considered positive.
Thank you
When doing rotations, the direction can vary depending on the convention or context. In mathematics, particularly in geometry and trigonometry, rotations are typically described using a counterclockwise (also known as anticlockwise) direction. This means that if you imagine a circle or a point in a coordinate plane, a counterclockwise rotation would be in the direction opposite to the hands of a clock.
To determine the direction of a rotation, you can start by identifying the positive direction or the "zero" position. For example, in a coordinate plane, the positive x-axis is often considered the initial position. Then, if you are rotating something counterclockwise, you can imagine the object moving in a circular path from the starting position.
On the other hand, in some fields like aviation or navigation, rotations may be described using a clockwise direction. This convention is used because it aligns with the direction convention used in compasses and navigational instruments, where turning clockwise corresponds to turning to the right.
Therefore, it's important to consider the specific context and convention being used when determining the direction of rotations.