Transformations

Math

Definition

Transformations are operations that change the position, size, or orientation of a geometric figure or function graph. The four main types are translations (slides), reflections (flips), rotations (turns), and dilations (resizing).

Examples

  • Sliding a triangle 3 units to the right is a translation
  • Flipping a shape over the y-axis is a reflection
  • Enlarging a figure by a scale factor of 2 from the origin is a dilation
Key Fact

Rigid transformations (translations, reflections, rotations) preserve size and shape; dilations change size but preserve shape

Related Terms

Reflections Graphing sine and cosine Vertex form Domain and range

Study This Concept

Practice transformations with free review games in these units:

Pre-Calculus Unit 1: Functions and Their Graphs