Transformations — GCSE Mathematics Revision
Revise Transformations for GCSE Mathematics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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- Transformations in GCSE Mathematics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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Next step: Enlargements
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Go to EnlargementsWhat is Transformations?
The four transformations are translation (slide), reflection (flip), rotation (turn) and enlargement (resize). Each requires specific information to describe fully: translation needs a column vector; reflection needs the equation of the mirror line; rotation needs centre, angle and direction; enlargement needs centre and scale factor. A negative scale factor produces an inverted image on the opposite side of the centre.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Describe the single transformation that maps triangle A to triangle B. Compare corresponding vertices: each point has moved 3 right and 2 up. This is a translation by the vector (3, 2).
Practise this topic
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Common mistakes
- 1Not fully describing the transformation — each type has required details that must all be stated.
- 2Confusing the direction of rotation (clockwise vs anticlockwise).
- 3Forgetting that a fractional scale factor (e.g. 1/2) makes the shape smaller, not larger.
- 4Getting the mirror line equation wrong — reflect in y = x, not y = -x, for example.
Transformations exam questions
Exam-style questions for Transformations with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Transformations
Core concept
The four transformations are translation (slide), reflection (flip), rotation (turn) and enlargement (resize). Each requires specific information to describe fully: translation needs a column vector; …
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe an enlargement fully?
State: (1) it is an enlargement, (2) the scale factor, and (3) the centre of enlargement. Find the centre by drawing lines through corresponding vertices — they meet at the centre.
What does a negative scale factor do?
It produces an image that is inverted (upside down) and on the opposite side of the centre of enlargement. The size is determined by the absolute value of the scale factor.