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Transformation (Geometry)
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
A transformation is a rule or operation that moves or changes a figure on a plane to produce a new figure called the image.
Key Points:
The original figure is called the preimage.
A transformation can change the figure’s position, orientation, size, or shape (depending on the type).
Common types of transformations include:
Translation (slide)
Reflection (flip)
Rotation (turn)
Dilation (resizing)
Some transformations (translations, reflections and rotations) are rigid motions — they preserve size and shape.
Example:
Reflecting a triangle over the y-axis is a transformation that flips the triangle to the other side of the axis, creating a mirror image.
Video
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