Transformations (translation, reflection, rotation, enlargement)

Four transformations on the coordinate plane. Year 7-9.

Translation slides; reflection mirrors; rotation turns; enlargement scales. Each is fully described by a small set of parameters: vector, mirror line, centre+angle+direction, centre+scale factor.

Worked examples

Translation by [3, −2]: every point moves 3 right and 2 down.

Reflection in y = x: (a, b) → (b, a).

Enlargement, scale factor 2 from origin: (3, 4) → (6, 8).

Frequently asked questions

Can scale factor be a fraction?

Yes — an enlargement with scale factor ½ produces a smaller image. Negative scale factors flip across the centre.

Rotation direction?

Anticlockwise is positive by convention; clockwise is negative or labelled explicitly.