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Reflect points across the y-axis

Reflecting a point with integer coordinates across the yy-axis produces a point the same vertical distance from the axis on the opposite side: (x,y)(x,y) maps to (x,y)(-x,y). The xx-coordinate changes sign while the yy-coordinate remains unchanged, and points on the yy-axis stay fixed; this establishes coordinate symmetry without extending to more advanced transformation rules.

Detailed Explanation: Reflect points across the y-axis

To reflect a point across the yy-axis:

  • Change the sign of the xx-coordinate.
  • Keep the yy-coordinate the same.

The rule is

(x,y)(x,y)(x,y)\rightarrow(-x,y)

Example

Reflect the point (A(3,2))(A(3,-2)) across the yy-axis.

  1. The xx-coordinate is 33. Change its sign to get (3)(-3).
  2. Keep the yy-coordinate, (2)(-2), unchanged.
  3. Write the new point:
A(3,2)A'( -3,-2)

So, the reflection of (A(3,2))(A(3,-2)) across the yy-axis is

A(3,2)\boxed{A'(-3,-2)}

The original point and its reflection are the same distance from the yy-axis, but they are on opposite sides. A point already on the yy-axis stays in the same place.

Learn by doing: Reflect points across the y-axis

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Cartesian Grid - Reflection of Point (Grid to Coordinates) across Axis


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