Transformations: Translation, Rotation, Reflection
Transformations describe how shapes can be moved or flipped on a plane. The three main transformations are translation (sliding), rotation (turning), and reflection (flipping).
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Translation: every point of the shape moves the same distance in the same direction
Reflection: the shape is flipped over a line of symmetry (mirror line)
Rotation: the shape is turned around a fixed centre point by a given angle
After any transformation the image is congruent (same size and shape) to the original
Key Vocabulary
Translation
A transformation that slides a shape without turning or flipping it
Reflection
A transformation that flips a shape over a line, creating a mirror image
Rotation
A transformation that turns a shape around a fixed centre point
Congruent
Having exactly the same shape and size
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
A shape is moved 3 units right and 2 units down. What type of transformation is this?
Question 2
A shape is flipped over the y-axis. What type of transformation is this?
Question 3
After a transformation, a triangle has the same size and shape as the original. What can we say about the two triangles?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Translation: every point of the shape moves the same distance in the same direction
- ●Reflection: the shape is flipped over a line of symmetry (mirror line)
- ●Rotation: the shape is turned around a fixed centre point by a given angle
- ●After any transformation the image is congruent (same size and shape) to the original