2007-02-15 11:57:37 · 2 answers · asked by Kevin G 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Rotation 'around' the origin could describe a circular (round) path. Rotation 'about' the origin could describe a path consisting of the surface of a sphere (that is 3D). When a fly buzzes about your head it is not necessarily flying in a perfect circle.
2007-02-15 12:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to be the same. No mathematician would use two such similar phrases to mean different things - it would be confusing.
Perhaps you mean the difference between reflection and rotation?
For these, imagine if you have an 'L' shape sitting at x=2.
If you reflect it about the origin, it would appear as a backwards-L shape at x=-2. As though it was being seen in a mirror.
If you rotate it 180 degrees around the origin, it would appear as an upside-down-L at x=-2. You lift it up and over the origin and then back down to the axis. It's upside-down.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-15 12:07:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋