Transformations: GCSE Maths revision
The four transformations are translation, rotation, reflection and enlargement. Describe them fully: vector, centre and angle, line, or centre and scale factor.
What to write
- Translation: vector, e.g. (3, −2)
- Rotation: angle, direction, centre
- Reflection: the line (x = 2, y = x, …)
- Enlargement: scale factor and centre (negative scale factor = opposite side of the centre)
Try these questions
Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.
A point moves 4 right and 1 down. Write the translation vector.
What extra information do you need to describe a rotation?
Scale factor 2, centre the origin. Image of (3, 1)?
Common mistakes
- Missing the centre of rotation or enlargement.
- Writing “moved right” instead of a vector.
Answers and working
Frequently asked questions
Does enlargement always make a shape bigger?
No. Scale factor between 0 and 1 makes it smaller. Negative scale factor also turns it through 180° relative to the centre.
Learn, try, get feedback, fix the mistake
ReviseEasy covers GCSE Maths, Combined Science, Triple Science, English Language and English Literature — then drills the topics you keep dropping marks on.
Practise more on ReviseEasy →Related revision
More GCSE revision
ReviseEasy is a GCSE revision website, not a Maths-only site. Lessons, quizzes and flashcards are live for Maths, Combined Science, Triple Biology, Chemistry and Physics, English Language and English Literature. History, Geography and languages are next.