GCSE-ready- Home
- Lessons
- GCSE & IGCSE Mathematics
- Transformations
Transformations
There are four transformations. Each needs specific details to describe it fully.
Describing each one
Enlargement
Scale factor 2 makes every length twice as long. Scale factor 12 halves them.
Measure from the centre: each image point is (scale factor) times as far from the centre.
A negative scale factor puts the image on the other side of the centre, upside down (Higher).
Measure from the centre: each image point is (scale factor) times as far from the centre.
A negative scale factor puts the image on the other side of the centre, upside down (Higher).
Mirror lines
x = a is a vertical line. y = b is a horizontal line.
y = x goes diagonally up through the origin. Reflecting in y = x swaps the coordinates: (2, 5) → (5, 2).
y = x goes diagonally up through the origin. Reflecting in y = x swaps the coordinates: (2, 5) → (5, 2).
The point (3, 1) is reflected in the line y = x. Where does it go?
- Reflecting in y = x swaps the coordinates.
Answer: (1, 3)
Translation: vector. Reflection: mirror line. Rotation: centre, angle, direction. Enlargement: scale factor and centre. Only give one transformation unless asked.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
Check you have got it
Answer 6 quick questions with instant marking. If you get one wrong, GCSE-ready shows you why and gives you another go. It is free, and you do not need an account.