Reflection
Flipping a shape over a mirror line so each point lands the same distance on the other side.
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Analogy
Like your reflection in a mirror, flipped but the same size.
Example
In the y-axis: (-3, 2)In the x-axis: (3, -2)In the line y = x: (2, 3)
In practice
Logos and butterflies show reflection symmetry.
Practice
Flashcards
- Reflect (3, 2) in the y-axis.(-3, 2).
Questions people ask
What stays the same in a reflection?
The shape keeps its size and angles. Only its position and direction change. A point on the mirror line stays where it is. The reflected shape is a mirror image, so it is flipped but not stretched or shrunk. So a reflected shape is always congruent to the original, even though it faces the other way.
How do you describe a reflection fully?
Say it is a reflection and give the equation of the mirror line, such as 'reflection in the y-axis' or 'reflection in the line x = 2'. Without the line, the description is incomplete and loses marks. Mirror lines can be vertical, horizontal or diagonal, such as y = x, so write the equation exactly.