Transformations
A translation occurs when a shape has been moved from one place to
another. It is equivalent of picking up the shape and putting it down somewhere
else. Vectors are used to describe such transformations.
When describing a reflection, you need to state the line which the shape
has been reflected in.
When describing a rotation, the centre and angle of rotation are given.
If you wish to use tracing paper to help with rotations: draw the shape you wish
to rotate onto the tracing paper and put this over shape. Push the end of your
pencil down onto the tracing paper, where the centre of rotation is and turn the
tracing paper through the appropriate angle. The resultant position of the shape
on the tracing paper is where the shape is rotated to.

Enlargements
Enlargements have a centre of enlargement and a scale factor.
1) Draw a line from the centre of enlargement to each vertex ('corner') of the
shape you wish to enlarge. Measure the lengths of each of these lines.
2) If the scale factor is 2, draw a line from the centre of enlargement, through
each vertex, which is twice as long as the length you measured. If the scale
factor is 3, draw lines which are three times as long. If the scale factor is
1/2, draw lines which are 1/2 as long.
Example:
The centre of enlargement is marked. Enlarge the triangle by a scale factor of
2.

© Matthew Pinkney