Reflection Transformation

In a reflection transformation all the points of an object are reflected or flipped on a line called the axis of reflection or line of reflection.

Example:

A reflection is defined by the axis of symmetry or mirror line. In the above diagram, the mirror line is x = 3.

Under reflection, the shape and size of an image is exactly the same as the original figure. This type of transformation is called isometric transformation.

The orientation is laterally inverted, that is they are facing opposite directions.

The line of reflection is the perpendicular bisector of the line joining any point and its image (e.g. PP ’ in the above figure).

All the points on the mirror line are not changed. These points are said to be invariant .(R is an invariant point in the above.)

Drawing The Image

If the axis of reflection is on one of the grid lines, we just count the number of squares from a point on the object to the axis and the image is the same distance from the axis.

Example:

In the diagram, the figure A is reflected in the line XY. Draw the image of A in the diagram.

Solution:

Note that the point O remained unchanged under reflection because it is on the axis of reflection. Any point on the line of reflection is unchanged – such points are described as invariant.

If the axis of reflection is not on the grid lines, we will need to use a compass to construct the image.

Example:

In the diagram below, the triangle ABC is reflected in the line XY. Draw the image of the triangle in the diagram.

Solution:

Step1: Place the sharp point of a compass at A and draw two arcs intersecting the line XY

Step 2: Place the sharp point of the compass on the first intersecting point and mark an arc on the opposite side of XY. Place the sharp point of the compass on the second intersecting point and mark an arc to intersect with the first arc. The intersection is the image of A’ .

Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2 to get the points B ’ and C ’ . Join the points A ’ , B ’ and C ’ to get the image A ’ B ’ C ’ .

Video

Geometry Reflection
A reflection is an isometry, which means the original and image are congruent, that can be described as a "flip". To perform a geometry reflection, a line of reflection is needed; the resulting orientation of the two figures are opposite. Corresponding parts of the figures are the same distance from the line of reflection. Ordered pair rules reflect over the x-axis: (x, -y), y-axis: (-x, y), line y=x: (y, x).

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