GEOMETRIC TRANSFOMATION

• Geometric Transformation involves the change in the size, shape, orientation or

position of an object.
• The original shape or figure before transformation is called the object or
preimage. The new figure after transformation is called Image.
• The image of point A under the transformation is labelled using the symbol such
as 𝐴′ read as A prime or using the subscript notation, 𝐴1 e.g the image of
∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 is after the first transformation 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑑 ∆𝐴′ 𝐵′ 𝐶 ′ 𝑜𝑟 ∆𝐴1 𝐵1 𝐶1 ,
∆𝐴′′ 𝐵′ ′𝐶 ′′ 𝑜𝑟 ∆𝐴2 𝐵2 𝐶2 after the second transformation, etc.

Six basic types of transformations

(a) Translation,
(b) Reflection,
(c) Rotation,
(d) Enlargement,
(e) Shear
(f) Stretch (one-way and two-way-stretch).

Translation(T)

▪ A translation is a movement, along a straight line, in a fixed direction without any

turning.
▪ Translation can be described informally as a sliding movement.
▪ The movement can be
o Horizontally (right or left),
o Vertically (up or down),
o Diagonally(across).
▪ When an object undergoes a translation, all points on the object move the same
distance and the same direction.
▪ Object and Image have the same shape and size(congruent).
▪ Object and Image face the same direction (have same orientation).

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Describing Translations

• A translation is described by stating a column vector called the translation vector

𝑎
denoted by ( ), where a is the distance moved or parallel to the x-axis in a
𝑏
positive or negative direction and b is the distance moved parallel to the y-axis in
a positive or negative direction.
• A positive value of , 𝑎, means a movement to the right and a negative value
of , 𝑎, means a movement to the left.
• A positive value of , 𝑏, means a movement upwards and a negative value
of , 𝑏, means a movement downwards.
𝑎
• If the point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) is translated by the vector ( ), then we obtain the image
𝑏
𝑃′(𝑥 + 𝑎, 𝑦 + 𝑏) i.e 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) → 𝑃′(𝑥 + 𝑎, 𝑦 + 𝑏).
For example,
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• if 𝐴(2,3) is translated by vector ( ) , 𝐴(2,3) → 𝐴′ (2 + 5,3 + 2) = 𝐴′(7, 5).
2
−2
• if 𝐵(6,1) is translated by vector ( ) , 𝐵(6,1) → 𝐵′ (6 + −2, 1 + 3) = 𝐵′(4, 4).
3

2
 4
The translation Vector ( ) means move the figure 4 units to the right and 3 units
−3
downwards.

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 −3
The rectangle DEFG has been translated by the vector ( ). The shape has moved 3
−6
units to the left and 6 units downwards.

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The figure PQRS has been translated by the vector ( ). The shape has moved 8 units
−5
to the right and 5 units downwards.

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Activity

2.. Translate the given figure by the translation vector given.

2
2.Translate ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 below by the vector ( ).
−3

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6
Reflection(M)

• Reflection is a transformation that involves flipping a figure over a line called the
line of reflection to make an image. The line of reflection is also called the mirror
line. Mirror line can be vertical (x = k), horizontal (y = k) or even slanted/diagonal
(y = mx + c)

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In the diagram above, the red broken line is the mirror line. The diagram below shows
the triangle PQR that has been reflected in the mirror line to make the image 𝑃′𝑄′𝑅′.

• Every point in the image is the same distance from the mirror line as the original
shape.

• The line joining a point on the original shape to the same point on the image
is perpendicular to the mirror line.

• The object and the image are the same shape and same size(congruent).

• Image and object face different directions.

Example 2: Finding the mirror line

The figure below shows the figure and its image.

(a) Draw the mirror line and,

(b) Write the equation of the mirror line equation.

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 Solution

(a) Join by a straight line any corresponding vertices(points),e,g AA’.

(b) Bisect the line joining the corresponding vertices, i.e AA’, and the perpendicular
bisector of this line is the mirror line.

(c) Then find the equation of the mirror line.

Using the standard equation of a straight line equation 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, then the mirror
line 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1.

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Example 2:

Find the equation of the mirror line in the above diagram.

Describing transformations using Matrices

It is possible to describe a transformation using the matrix by considering the effect on

1 0 1 0
the base vectors, ( ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ( ).Will let 𝐼 = ( ) and 𝐽 = ( ).
0 1 0 1

The columns of matrix will give us the images of I and J after the transformation.

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For example, to get a matrix of reflection in the x-axis, we reflect our base vectors about
1 1 0 0 1 0
the x-axis. For ( ) → ( ) and ( ) → ( ).This gives us the matrix ( ).Do this
0 0 1 −1 0 −1
procedure to generate other matrices.

To generate matrices for other transformations: rotation, enlargement, shear, stretch

you follow the same procedure of using the base vectors which basically come from the
1 0
columns of the identity matrix, ( ).
0 1

TIPS TO REMEMBER THE MATRICES

For example, for reflection on y axis, you start from D to A, then your reflection matrix
−1 0
on y-axis is ( ). First column is from D and second column from A. For reflection
0 1
1 0
on 𝑦 = 𝑥, start from A to B, then the matrix becomes, ( ).
0 1

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 Reflection Transformation Rules and Matrices

Reflection Rule Matrix

About the x-axis (𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑥, −𝑦) 1 0
( )
0 −1

About the y-axis (𝑥, 𝑦) → (−𝑥, 𝑦) −1 0

( )
0 1

About the line 𝒚 = 𝒙 (𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑦, 𝑥) 0 1

( )
1 0

About the line 𝒚 = −𝒙 (𝑥, 𝑦) → (−𝑦, −𝑥) 0 −1

( )
−1 0

Practice Questions

Reflect the shape below along 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 1

2. Reflect the following figures along the given mirror lines.

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 Rotation

• Rotation is a transformation that turns a shape around a fixed point called

the centre of rotation.

• The amount of turn or rotation is called angle of rotation and is measured in

degrees ( e.g 90° , 180° , 270° , 𝑒𝑡𝑐).
• The rotation can be clockwise or anti-clockwise.
• When the figure or shape is rotated all the points in that particular shape rotate
through the same number of degrees about the centre point of rotation.
• Object and Image are the same shape and same size(congruent).
• Object and image face different direction (Have different orientations).

To describe the rotation transformation, state:

• the centre of rotation,

• the angle of rotation (90°,180°, or 270°),

• the direction of rotation (clockwise or anticlockwise).

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Tips to remember the matrices for rotation about the origin.

Besides using the base vectors to generate matrices for rotation, we can alternatively
cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
use the matrix ( ), where 𝜃 is the angle of rotation.
− sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃

For example, rotation of 𝜃 = 90° clockwise about the origin, the matrix becomes
cos 90° sin cos 90° 0 1
( )=( )
− sin 90° cos cos 90° −1 0

Rotation Transformation Rules and Matrices with centre at the origin.

Angle of rotation Coordinate Rule Matrix

900 Clockwise (𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑦, −𝑥) 0 1
( )
−1 0

1800 (𝑥, 𝑦) → (−𝑥, −𝑦) −1 0

( )
0 −1

2700 Clockwise or 900 (𝑥, 𝑦) → (−𝑦, 𝑥) 0 −1

( )
1 0
anticlockwise

Example

The triangle PQR has been rotated 90° anticlockwise about the origin O to create the image
P'Q'R'.

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NB : It is not necessary to construct a third perpendicular bisector since the perpendicular
bisectors are all concurrent, that is, they all passthrough the same point.

2. Describe a single transformation that maps quadrilateral ABCD onto A’B’AC’D’

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Solution

Each corner of the image A'B'C'D' is the same distance from the origin as the original
shape. The origin is the centre of rotation.

The rectangle ABCD has been rotated 180° about the origin (the direction is not
required because it is a half turn.

Activity : Finding the centre of rotation not at the origin

If we are given an object, say triangle ABC and its image position after a rotation,
triangle 𝐴'𝐵'𝐶', then we can locate the center of the rotation by using steps below:

(a) Join the corresponding points of the object and image e.g AA’, with a straight
line.
(b) Find the perpendicular bisector of the straight line AA’
(c) Repeat step (a) and (b) for another set of corresponding points e.g BB’.
(d) Find the point of intersection of the two perpendicular bisectors, and this is your
centre of rotation.

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 (e) It is not necessary to construct a third perpendicular bisector since the
perpendicular bisectors are all concurrent, that is, they all pass through the same
point.

Activity: Finding the image points when centre of rotation is not at the
origin

• If we are given an object, say triangle ABC and its image position after rotation, is
triangle 𝐴1 𝐵1 𝐶1 , then we can locate the center of the rotation
• Subtract the centre of rotation from each point of the object.
• Apply the rotation transformation rules that are used when the object is rotated is
about the origin.
• Add back the centre of rotation to each point to get the image points.

Example

Rectangle ABCD has vertices A(1,1), B(1,4), C(3,4) and D(3,1) and undergoes a
transformation of 90° clockwise about the point (0, -1).Find the coordinates of rectangle
A’B’C’D’ which is the image of rectangle ABCD.

Step 1 : Subtract each point from the centre of rotation.

1 0 1
E.g For point A(1,1), ( ) − ( ) = ( )
1 −1 2

1 0 1
For point B(1,4), ( ) − ( ) = ( )
4 −1 5

Step 2: Apply the rotation rules when the centre of rotation is at the origin.

For rotation of 900 clockwise about the origin, we use the rule (𝑥, 𝑦) → (𝑦, −𝑥)

𝐴 (1, 2) → 𝐴′(2, −1)

𝐵 (1,5) → 𝐵′(5, −1)

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 0 1
Alternatively use the matrix ( )
−1 0
0 1 1 2
( )( ) = ( )
−1 0 2 −1
0 1 1 5
( )( ) = ( )
−1 0 5 −1

Step 3 : Find the image points by adding the centre of rotation to the result of step 2

2 0 2
For Point A : ( )+( )=( )
−1 −1 −2

Therefore, the image of A is A’(-3,1)

5 0 5
For Point B : ( )+( )=( )
−1 −1 −2

Therefore, the image of B is B’(5,-2).

Similarly, compute the image points for other remaining points to get C’(5,-4) and D’(2,-
4).The object and image are shown below.

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NB: 1. Each corner of the image A'B'C'D' is the same distance from the centre of rotation
as the original shape. 2. You can be asked to find angle of rotation.

Q3. Triangle DEF has vertices at D(2;2), E(2;6) and F(4;6).Given that the triangle DEF is
to be rotated 90˚ clockwise about (-2;0). Draw and label 𝐷3 𝐸3 𝐹3 .

b) Rotate the same Triangle DEF 180˚ about the center (0;4).

(i) Find the coordinates of the image.

(ii) Draw the image of triangle DEF after this transformation.

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20
 Practice question

0 −1
1. A transformation X is represented by the matrix ( ).
1 0
(a) Calculate the coordinates of the image point (5, 2) under X.
(b) Name the transformation, X.
(c) Describe fully the transformation, X.

SUMMARY
A change in the size, shape, orientation or position of an object is called a
transformation. Translation, reflection and rotations are called isometric
transformations because the image is the same size and shape as the original object.
The original object and the image are congruent.

NON – ISOMETRIC TRANSFORMATIONS

The three non-isometric transformations are Enlargement, Stretch and Shear. The
image and the original object have different size.

Enlargement

Enlargement involves resizing of the object. It could result in an increase in size or a

decrease in size of the object. The object and the image are similar i.e. they have the
same shape but different size. The area of the image is

To describe enlargement, state:

(a) Center of enlargement
(b) Scale of enlargement or enlargement factor, k.

Properties of Enlargement
1. The scale of enlargement can be greater than zero(positive), less than
zero(negative) or fraction.

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 length of the Image
Scale factor, 𝑘, =
length of object

2. The area of the image is 𝑘 2 times the area of the object, that is, the square of the
Area ofImage
scale factor i.e 𝑘 2 =
Area of object

3. Enlargement can be defined by a matrix with enlargement factor, k, is given by

𝑘 0
( ).
0 𝑘

Positive Enlargement scale factor

All the sides of the triangle X'Y'Z' are twice as long as the sides of the original triangle
XYZ. The triangle XYZ has been enlarged by a scale factor of 2.

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23
Activity: Finding the centre of enlargement that is not located at the origin

If we are given an object, say triangle ABC and its image position after an enlargement,
triangle 𝐴'𝐵'𝐶', then we can locate the center of the enlargement.

• Subtract the centre of enlargement from each point of the object.

• Apply the enlargement transformation rules that are used when the object is
rotated is about the origin.

• Add back the centre of enlargement to each point to get the image points.

Example

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Study the diagram below showing ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 and its enlargement ∆𝐴′ 𝐵′ 𝐶 ′ .

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1.To find the centre of enlargement extend the lines joining corresponding points until
they meet.

2.To find the enlargement scale factor, divide the length of one side on the image by
𝐵′𝐶′ 12
corresponding side i.e = = 3. The triangle ABC has been enlarged by a scale
𝐵𝐶 4

factor of 3 about the centre of enlargement O.

Fractional enlargement scale factor

• Fractional enlargement factor makes the image smaller than the object.

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 𝐴′ 𝐶 ′ 1
The enlargement scale factor in this case is given by = .
𝐴𝐶 2

Practice question

∆𝑅𝑆𝑇 is mapped onto triangle A’B’C’ with enlargement scale factor, k, and centre of
enlargement X.

(a) Find the enlargement scale factor and centre of enlargement.

(b) Find the area of triangle PQR and triangle 𝑃′ 𝑄′ 𝑅′ .

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 (c) State the relationship between area of triangle PQR and triangle 𝑃′ 𝑄′ 𝑅′ .

Negative enlargement scale factor

For a negative scale factor, object and image are on the opposite sides of the centre of
enlargement. Negative enlargement scale factor is calculated same way, remembering
to put a minus sign before the number

The rectangle ABCD has been enlarged by a scale factor of −2 about the Origin. The
lengths of rectangle A'B'C'D' are 2 times as long as rectangle ABCD. Object and image
are on different sides of the centre of rotation.

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Practice questions

1. Study the figure below

(a) Draw image of the quadrilateral EFGH when it is enlarged by a scale factor of
−1⁄ about the centre of enlargement O.
2
(b) What name is given to quadrilateral EFGH?

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