1Check if size changed → If YES, it's ENLARGEMENT
2Check if shape flipped/inverted → If YES, it's REFLECTION or ROTATION
3Check if all points moved same amount → If YES, it's TRANSLATION
4State ALL required information (don't just say the type!)
This deep dive covers Method: Identifying Transformations within Transformations for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Transformations in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 16 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 6 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Transformations
A translation is described by the vector (3, −2). What does this mean?
Shape A is mapped to shape B by a translation. Describe fully what information is needed to describe a translation.
Quick recall flashcards
Rotation
State CENTRE, ANGLE, and DIRECTION (CW/ACW). Shape turns around fixed point. 180° is same CW or ACW.
Reflection
State the MIRROR LINE (equation). Shape flips over. Points and images are equidistant from mirror line.