Translating shapes (article) | Translations | Khan Academy (2024)
Learn how to draw the image of a given shape under a given translation.
Introduction
In this article, we'll practice the art of translating shapes. Mathematically speaking, we will learn how to draw the image of a given shape under a given translation.
A translation by is a transformation that moves all points units in the -direction and units in the -direction. Such a transformation is commonly represented as .
Part 1: Translating points
Let's study an example problem
Find the image of under the transformation .
Solution
The translation moves all points in the -direction and in the -direction. In other words, it moves everything 10 units to the left and 5 units up.
Now we can simply go 10 units to the left and 5 units up from .
We can also find algebraically:
Your turn!
Problem 1
Draw the image of under transformation .
The translation moves all points in the -direction and in the -direction. In other words, it moves everything 4 units to the left and 8 units down.
The translation moves all points in the -direction and in the -direction.
Part 2: Translating line segments
Let's study an example problem
Consider line segment drawn below. Let's draw its image under the translation .
Solution
When we translate a line segment, we are actually translating all the individual points that make up that segment.
Luckily, we don't have to translate all the points, which are infinite! Instead, we can consider the endpoints of the segment.
Since all points move in exactly the same direction, the image of will simply be the line segment whose endpoints are and .
Part 3: Translating polygons
Let's study an example problem
Consider quadrilateral drawn below. Let's draw its image, , under the translation .
Solution
When we translate a polygon, we are actually translating all the individual line segments that make up that polygon!
Basically, what we did here is to find the images of , , , and and connect those image vertices.
Khan Academy video wrapper
Translating shapes
See video transcript
Your turn!
Problem 1
Draw the image of under the translation .
The translation moves all points in the -direction and in the -direction. In other words, it moves everything 5 units to the left and 2 units up.
Problem 2
Draw the images of and under the translation .
The translation moves all points in the -direction and in the -direction. In other words, it moves everything 10 units to the right without any vertical movement.
Challenge problem
The translation mapped to an image. The image, , is drawn below.
Draw .
We know that under the translation , the original triangle moved 4 units to the right and 7 units down to obtain .
Therefore, the original triangle should be 4 units to the left and 7 units up from .
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.