Ctrl+k

Describe transformations on a coordinate plane

A transformation moves or reorients a point or shape on the coordinate plane while preserving its size and shape: translations shift it horizontally or vertically, reflections flip it across an axis, and rotations turn it about a specified center, commonly the origin. The relationship between corresponding coordinates, preimage and image, and position, orientation, and distance can be described in words and on coordinate grids; arbitrary centers, formal coordinate rules, compositions, and dilations are beyond this scope.

Detailed Explanation: Describe transformations on a coordinate plane

A transformation moves a point or shape on a coordinate plane without changing its size or shape. For example:

  • A translation slides a figure.
  • A reflection flips a figure across a line, such as an axis.
  • A rotation turns a figure around a point, often the origin.

In a transformation, the original figure is called the preimage, and the new figure is called the image. Matching points are called corresponding points.

Example: Triangle ABCABC has vertices

A(1,1),B(4,1),C(1,3).A(1,1), \quad B(4,1), \quad C(1,3).

Translate the triangle 22 units right and 33 units up. Find the new coordinates.

Step 1: Move each point horizontally.

Moving 22 units right means add 22 to each xx-coordinate:

  • A(1,1)A(1,1) becomes (3,1)(3,1).
  • B(4,1)B(4,1) becomes (6,1)(6,1).
  • C(1,3)C(1,3) becomes (3,3)(3,3).

Step 2: Move each point vertically.

Moving 33 units up means add 33 to each yy-coordinate:

  • (3,1)(3,1) becomes A′(3,4)A'(3,4).
  • (6,1)(6,1) becomes B′(6,4)B'(6,4).
  • (3,3)(3,3) becomes C′(3,6)C'(3,6).

The image of the triangle has vertices

A′(3,4),B′(6,4),C′(3,6).A'(3,4), \quad B'(6,4), \quad C'(3,6).

The corresponding points are AA and A′A', BB and B′B', and CC and C′C'. The triangle has moved, but its side lengths, angles, and overall shape stayed the same. On a coordinate grid, draw the original triangle, move every vertex 22 units right and 33 units up, and connect the new vertices.

Learn by doing: Describe transformations on a coordinate plane

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Cartesian Grid - Rotation of Shape around Origin


    ?