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Reflection & Translation

Maths: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 8.6.2

Reflection

Reflection is when you reflect a shape in a mirror line.

Reflection

Reflection

  • A reflection is when a shape is reflected by a mirror line.
  • A reflection is usually done on a grid.
  • A dashed line shows the mirror line.
Distance from the mirror line

Distance from the mirror line

  • To reflect a shape onto the other side of the mirror line, it is important to notice how far away from the mirror line each point is.
Point A

Point A

  • Point A is 2 squares from the mirror line.
  • When it is reflected, point A will be 2 squares away from the mirror line on the other side of the mirror line.
  • The new point A will be at the same level as the original point A.
Point B

Point B

  • Point B is 2 squares from the mirror line.
  • When it is reflected, point B will be 2 squares away from the mirror line on the other side of the mirror line.
  • The new point B will be at the same level as the original point B.
Point C

Point C

  • Point C is 4 squares from the mirror line.
  • When it is reflected, point C will be 4 squares away from the mirror line on the other side of the mirror line.
  • The new point C will be at the same level as the original point C.
Point D

Point D

  • Point D is 4 squares from the mirror line.
  • When it is reflected, point D will be 4 squares away from the mirror line on the other side of the mirror line.
  • The new point D will be at the same level as the original point D.
Finish the shape

Finish the shape

  • You can complete the shape now that you have reflected all of the points of your shape in the mirror line.
  • Complete the shape by joining the dots.

Translation

Translation is moving a shape from one position to another. The shape does NOT turn or change size.

Translation

Translation

  • The red rectangle has been translated to the blue rectangle.
  • The red rectangle has moved but has NOT changed size or turned.
Tracking points of the rectangle

Tracking points of the rectangle

  • You can see how the rectangle has been translated by choosing a point to track.
  • Point A is shown on both rectangles.
Tracking points

Tracking points

  • If you count how many squares A has moved from the red rectangle to the blue rectangle, you will see:
  • A has moved 4 squares to the right.
  • A has moved 3 squares down.

Test yourself on Reflection & Translation

  • I reflect shape A in the dotted mirror line. Which shape shows the reflection of shape A?

  • I reflect shape A in the dotted mirror line. Which shape shows the reflection of shape A?

  • I reflect shape A in the dotted mirror line. Which shape shows the reflection of shape A?

  • What changes in a shape when you complete a translation?

  • Shape A can be translated onto shape B.
    True or false?

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