Transformations

Within the context of the CXC CSEC syllabus and required learning objectives, a transformation
is a change in the position and / or the size of a shape. The original shape is called the object and
the transformed shape is called the image. They are four basic types of transformations namely:
reflection, rotation, translation and enlargement.

Reflection
A reflection transforms the object by mapping it across a line in such a way that the line acts as a
line of symmetry. The line across which the object is mapped is called a mirror line; the object
and the image have bilateral symmetry about the mirror line. The mirror line is the perpendicular
bisector of the line joining a point on the object to the corresponding point on the image.
A reflection is defined by its mirror line. Under a reflection in the plane:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The object and the image are congruent

Each object point and its corresponding image point are on opposite sides of the mirror
Each object point and its corresponding image point are equidistant from the mirror line
The image of a reflected object has a reversed orientation

Typical Reflections:
i.

In the x-axis

: P(x, y) P (x, -y)

ii.

In the y-axis

: P(x, y) P (-x , y)

iii.

In the line y=x

: P(x, y) P (y, x)

iv.

In the line y=-x

: P(x, y) P (-y, -x)

v.

In the line y=b

: P(x, y) P (x, 2b -y)

vi.

In the line x=b

: P(x, y) P (2b-x, y)

Combined / multiple Reflections

1. Two consecutive reflections over parallel mirror lines is equivalent to a translation.
2. Two consecutive reflections over intersecting mirror lines is equivalent to a rotation
about the point of intersection.
3. A reflection across a line followed by a translation parallel to the mirror line is called a
glide reflection and the mirror line is then called the glide axis.
Translation
A translation transforms an object by shifting it in a straight line (without rotation or reflection).
Every point on the object moves (shift) the same distance and in the same direction.
A translation is defined by a vector called the translation vector. Under a translation in the plane:
1. The object and the image are congruent.

Note: Object point + Translation vector = Image point

Rotation
A rotation transforms the object by moving it about a point in a clockwise or anticlockwise
direction. The point is called the center of rotation and the degree of rotation is called the angle
of rotation. A positive angle is an anticlockwise rotation and a negative angle is a clockwise
rotation. We find the center of rotation by joining two pairs of corresponding vertices and finding
where their perpendicular bisectors meet.
A rotation is defined by its center, angle and direction. Under a rotation in the plane:
1. The object and the image are congruent
2. The center of rotation is invariant

Enlargement
An enlargement transforms an object by making it larger or smaller by a given scale factor. This
is done by drawing guide lines from a point called the centre of enlargement, to the vertices of
the object. The guide lines are then extended to give the vertices of the image. We can find the
center of enlargement by drawing lines joining corresponding points on the object and image and
finding where they meet.
An enlargement is defined by its center and scale factor (k). Under an enlargement in the plane:
1. The object and the image are similar.
2. If k > 1, the image is larger than the object, upright and on the same side of the center as
the object
3. If 0 < k < 1 the image is smaller than the object (dilation), upright and on the same side of
the center, between the center and the object
4. If k = 1, the object appears unchanged
5. If k < -1 then the image is larger than the object, (laterally) inverted and on the opposite
side of the center as the object
6. If -1 < k < 0 the image is smaller than the object (laterally) inverted and on the opposite
side of the center, between the center and the object

Any length onthe image=( scale factor ) corresponding lenght on the object

The area of theimage=(scale factor)2 the area of the object

Glide reflection
A glide reflection is a reflection in a mirror line followed by a translation in the direction of the
mirror line.

Describing a transformation

Reflection
We must give the mirror line to describe a reflection.
Translation
We must give the distance and direction of the shift to describe a translation.
We must give the distance and direction with a column vector (T), such as

(ab) .

Rotation
We must give the center and the angle of rotation to describe a rotation.

Enlargement
We must give the center of enlargement and the scale factor to describe an enlargement.

Glide reflection
We must give the mirror line and the translation.
Symbols that are used for transformations are:

M
R

reflection

rotation through

translation

glide reflection

enlargement
MR

rotation through followed by reflection