Lesson 3

Grid Moves

Let’s transform some figures on grids.

3.1: Notice and Wonder: The Isometric Grid

What do you notice? What do you wonder?

A blank isometric grid.

 

3.2: Transformation Information

Follow the directions below each statement to tell GeoGebra how you want the figure to move. It is important to notice that GeoGebra uses vectors to show translations. A vector is a quantity that has magnitude (size) and direction. It is usually represented by an arrow.

These applets are sensitive to clicks. Be sure to make one quick click, otherwise it may count a double-click.

After each example, click the reset button, and then move the slider over for the next question.

 
  1. Translate triangle ABC so that A goes to A’.
    1. Select the Vector tool.
      geogebra vector tool
    2. Click on the original point A and then the new point A’. You should see a vector.
    3. Select the Translate by Vector tool.
      Geogebra button to translate by a vector. 
    4. Click on the figure to translate, and then click on the vector.

  2. Translate triangle ABC so that C goes to C’.

  3. Rotate triangle ABC 90^\circ counterclockwise using center O.
    1. Select the Rotate around Point tool.
      geogebra rotate around point tool
    2. Click on the figure to rotate, and then click on the center point.
    3. A dialog box will open; type the angle by which to rotate and select the direction of rotation.
    4. Click on ok.
  4. Reflect triangle ABC using line \ell.
    1. Select the Reflect about Line tool.
      geogebra reflect about line tool
    2. Click on the figure to reflect, and then click on the line of reflection.

  5. Rotate quadrilateral ABCD 60^\circ counterclockwise using center B.

  6. Rotate quadrilateral ABCD 60^\circ clockwise using center C.

  7. Reflect quadrilateral ABCD using line \ell.

  8. Translate quadrilateral ABCD so that A goes to C.



Try your own translations, reflections, and rotations.

  1. Make your own polygon to transform, and choose a transformation.
  2. Predict what will happen when you transform the image. Try it - were you right?
  3. Challenge your partner! Right click on any vectors or lines and uncheck Show Object. Can they guess what transformation you used?

Visit ggbm.at/eFeE2Veu for the applet.

Summary

When a figure is on a grid, we can use the grid to describe a transformation. For example, here is a figure and an image of the figure after a move.

Two identical quadrilaterals on a grid.

Quadrilateral ABCD is translated 4 units to the right and 3 units down to the position of quadrilateral A'B'C'D'.

A second type of grid is called an isometric grid. The isometric grid is made up of equilateral triangles. The angles in the triangles all measure 60 degrees, making the isometric grid convenient for showing rotations of 60 degrees.

Quadrilateral K L M N, its image K prime L prime M prime N prime and a point P on an isometric grid. The image has been rotated 60 counterclockwise about point P.

Here is quadrilateral KLMN and its image K'L'M'N' after a 60-degree counterclockwise rotation around a point P.

Glossary Entries

  • clockwise

    Clockwise means to turn in the same direction as the hands of a clock. The top turns to the right. This diagram shows Figure A turned clockwise to make Figure B.

  • counterclockwise

    Counterclockwise means to turn opposite of the way the hands of a clock turn. The top turns to the left.

    This diagram shows Figure A turned counterclockwise to make Figure B.

    Two figures. Figure A turned counterclockwise makes Figure B.

     

  • image

    An image is the result of translations, rotations, and reflections on an object. Every part of the original object moves in the same way to match up with a part of the image.

    In this diagram, triangle ABC has been translated up and to the right to make triangle DEF. Triangle DEF is the image of the original triangle ABC.

    2 triangles, ABC and DEF. Triangle ABC has been translated up and to the right to make triangle DEF. Triangle DEF is the image of the original triangle ABC.
  • reflection

    A reflection across a line moves every point on a figure to a point directly on the opposite side of the line. The new point is the same distance from the line as it was in the original figure.

    This diagram shows a reflection of A over line \ell that makes the mirror image B.

    Two triangles, A and B. A reflection of A over a line makes the mirror image B.
  • rotation

    A rotation moves every point on a figure around a center by a given angle in a specific direction.

    This diagram shows Triangle A rotated around center O by 55 degrees clockwise to get Triangle B.

    Two trianges, A and B. Triangle A rotated by 55 degrees clockwise gets Triangle B.
  • translation

    A translation moves every point in a figure a given distance in a given direction.

    This diagram shows a translation of Figure A to Figure B using the direction and distance given by the arrow.

    A translation of triangle A to triangle B
  • vertex

    A vertex is a point where two or more edges meet. When we have more than one vertex, we call them vertices.

    The vertices in this polygon are labeled A, B, C, D, and E.

    Polygon with 5 sides