Translate 2D Shapes Using Vector Notation

In this activity, we will look at translations!

 

A translation is when we slide a 2D shape around a flat surface.

It faces the same direction and it stays the same size.

 

We describe the movement of the translation by left or right and then up or down using a vector.

 

 

A movement in the x-axis (which means across) goes at the top.

A movement in the y-axis  (which means up and down)  goes on the bottom.

 

 

A movement of 4 right and 2 down would be written like this:

 

 

Let's look at an example question.

 

Example

Translate shape A to shape B giving your answer as a vector.

 

 

Answer

1) First choose a corner. 

 

 

You can use any you like, so we've chosen the bottom left corner.

 

2) Mark on the corresponding (same) corner on B.

 

 

3) We can see we have to move to the right - count the moves!

 

 

4) Then we count how many moves up or down.

We can see it is up - count the moves up from X to X

 

 

Our answer is:

3 squares right and 1 square up.

 

 

Let's try some questions!