Reflection Definition
In Geometry, a reflection is known as a flip. A reflection is a mirror image of the shape. An
image will reflect through a line, known as the line of reflection. A figure is said to reflect the
other figure, and then every point in a figure is equidistant from each corresponding point in
another figure. The reflected image should have the same shape and size, but the image faces in
the opposite direction. In reflection, translation may also occur because of changes in the
position. Here, the original image is called pre-image, and its reflection is called the image. The
representation of pre-image and image are ABC and A’B’C’, respectively. The reflection
transformation may be in reference to the coordinate system (X and Y-axis).
Reflections in the Coordinate Plane
The reflection transformation may be in reference to X and Y-axis.
Reflection over X-axis
When a point is reflected across the X-axis, the x-coordinates remain the same. But the Y-
coordinates are transformed into their opposite signs.
Therefore, the reflection of the point (x, y) across X-axis is (x, -y).
Reflection over Y-axis
When a point is reflected across the Y-axis, the Y-coordinates remain the same. But the X-
coordinates is transformed into its opposite signs.
Therefore, the reflection of the point (x, y) across Y-axis is (-x, y).
Reflection over Y = X
When a point is reflected across the line y = x, the x-coordinates and y-coordinates change their
place. Similarly, when a point is reflected across the line y = -x, the x-coordinates and y-
coordinates change their place and are negated.
Therefore,
The reflection of the point (x, y) across the line y = x is (y, x).
The reflection of the point (x, y) across the line y = – x is (-y, -x).
Reflection on a Point
A reflection point occurs when a figure is constructed around a single point known as the point
of reflection or centre of the figure. For every point in the figure, another point is found directly
opposite to it on the other side. Under the point of reflection, the figure does not change its size
and shape.
Reflection at origin (0, 0)
In the coordinate plane, we can use any point as the point of reflection. The most commonly used
point is “origin”.
Example
Let ABC be the triangle, and the coordinates are A(1,4), B(1,1), and C(5,1). After the point of
reflection in origin, the pre-image ABC is transformed into A’B’C’. When you draw a line
segment connecting the points A and A’, the origin should be the midpoint of the line.
Therefore,
The point of reflection in origin (0, 0), the image of the point (x, y) is (-x, -y).
Hence, the coordinates of the triangle A’B’C are A’(-1,-4), B’(-1,-1), and C’(-5,-1).
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How to Rotate a Figure about the Origin
Step 1: Note the given information (i.e., angle of rotation, direction, and the rule). If necessary,
plot and connect the given points on the coordinate plane.
Step 2: Apply the rule to each given point.
Step 3: Plot and connect the new points. You now have a figure that has been rotated about the
origin!
How to Rotate a Figure about the Origin: Equations and Vocabulary
Rotation about the Origin is a transformation that rotates or turns a figure (e.g., a triangle)
about the origin point (x,y)→(0,0).
Angle of Rotation: The number of degrees that a figure is turned or rotated about the origin. The
most common rotation angles are 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees.
Direction of Rotation: Counterclockwise or clockwise direction. Positive rotations are
counterclockwise. Negative rotations are clockwise.
90∘ rotation counterclockwise (or 270∘ clockwise): (x,y)→(−y,x)
180∘ rotation counterclockwise (or 180∘ clockwise): (x,y)→(−x,−y)
270∘ rotation counterclockwise (or 90∘ clockwise): (x,y)→(y,−x)
For example, to rotate the point (2, 5) counterclockwise about the origin by 90 degrees, we use
the rule: (x,y)→(−y,x).
So, let's try using these rules to rotate a figure about the origin! First, we will look at an example
of a triangle that needs to be rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise. Then, we will view a
rectangle that needs to be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
Rotating a Figure about the Origin: 180 Degree Rotation Example
Sketch the triangle with vertices at A(-7, -2), B(-4, -2), and C(-3, 1). Then rotate the
triangle 180∘ about the origin.
Step 1: Note the given information.
Angle of Rotation: 180 degrees
Direction of rotation: Counterclockwise (a positive rotation)
180 degree rotation counterclockwise: (x,y)→(−x,−y).
Note: Rotating a figure 180 degrees counterclockwise will have the same result as rotating the
figure 180 degrees clockwise.
Step 2: Apply the 180-degree rule to each given point to get the new points.
A(−7,−2)→A′(7,2)
B(−4,−2)→B′(4,2)
C(−3,1)→C′(3,−1)
Step 3: Plot and connect the new points.
Rotating a Figure about the Origin: 90 Degree Rotation Example
Sketch the rectangle with vertices at A(2, -2), B(5, -2), C(5, -4), and D(2, -4). Then rotate it
clockwise by 90∘ about the origin.
Step 1: Note the given information. If necessary, plot and connect the given points on the
coordinate plane.
Angle of Rotation: 90 degrees
Direction of rotation: clockwise (a negative rotation)
90 degree rotation clockwise: (x,y)→(y,−x).
Note: A rotation that is 90-degrees clockwise will have the same result as a rotation that is 270
degrees counterclockwise.
Step 2: Apply the 90-degree clockwise rule for each given point to rotate the rectangle.
A(2,−2)→A′(−2,−2)
B(5,−2)→B′(−2,−5)
C(5,−4)→C′(−4,−5)
D(2,−4)→D′(−4,−2)
Step 3: Plot and connect the new points