Transformations

What Is a Transformation?

A transformation moves or flips a shape without changing its size. Imagine you have a drawing of a triangle. You can slide it, turn it, or mirror it, and it will still be the same triangle. The shape’s edges stay the same length, but its position or orientation can change.

Types of Transformations

Slide (translation)

You pick up the shape and move it straight left, right, up, or down. Every point travels the same distance in the same direction.

Turn (rotation)

You spin the shape around a fixed point, called the center of rotation. The shape turns a certain number of degrees, like 90° or 180°.

Mirror (reflection)

You flip the shape over a line, like a line drawn on a piece of paper. The shape looks the same on the other side of the line, just reversed.

Stretch or Shrink (dilation) – Optional for Older Kids

You make the shape bigger or smaller, but all parts grow or shrink at the same rate. The shape keeps its overall look.

Fun with Transformations

1. Paper Game – Draw a square on a piece of paper. Cut it out, then slide it, turn it, and flip it. See how it still looks like a square.
2. Pattern Hunt – Look at floor tiles or wallpaper. Spot the repeated shapes and notice how they have been moved or turned.
3. Create A Picture – Start with a simple shape, then use the three basic transformations to make a new design.

Transformations help us understand how objects move in the world, from rotating a wheel to sliding a puzzle piece. Try them out and see the magic of math in motion!