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28 Nov 2025

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Comprehensive Transformation Summary Guide

user profile picture

samiha zaman @simbasamba

Transformations are all about changing the position or size of shapes in maths. You'll encounter four main types... Show more

Translation =
Transformations
the movement of a shape
side to side, up or down.
up =
1
→ left = negative
right = positive
-honzontal
positiv

Understanding Transformations

Transformations are simply ways to change a shape's position or size - think of them as moving shapes around on a coordinate grid. There are four main types you need to master translation, reflection, rotation, and enlargement.

Translation is the easiest one to grasp - it's just sliding a shape from one place to another without changing its size or orientation. When describing horizontal movement, remember that moving right is positive and left is negative. For vertical movement, up is positive and down is negative. Always describe translations using a vector that shows exactly how far the shape moves.

Reflection creates a mirror image of your shape across a line of reflection. The original and reflected shapes are always congruent (identical in size and shape). When answering exam questions, make sure you mention both "reflection" and the equation of the line you're reflecting across.

Rotation spins a shape around a fixed point called the centre of rotation. You'll typically work with angles of 90°, 180°, or 270°, and the direction can be clockwise or anticlockwise. Don't forget to identify all three key elements the angle, direction, and centre point.

Pro tip Always check your rotations by tracing the shape with your finger - it helps you visualise the movement!

Enlargement changes the size of a shape using a scale factor. Calculate this by dividing the new length by the old length. If the scale factor is greater than 1, the shape gets bigger; if it's between 0 and 1, it shrinks. Remember that invariant points are special spots that don't move during certain transformations - they're often key to solving tricky problems.

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Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

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Rohan U

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Maths

157

28 Nov 2025

1 page

Comprehensive Transformation Summary Guide

user profile picture

samiha zaman

@simbasamba

Transformations are all about changing the position or size of shapes in maths. You'll encounter four main types that pop up constantly in GCSE questions, and once you get the hang of them, they're actually quite straightforward!

Translation =
Transformations
the movement of a shape
side to side, up or down.
up =
1
→ left = negative
right = positive
-honzontal
positiv

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Understanding Transformations

Transformations are simply ways to change a shape's position or size - think of them as moving shapes around on a coordinate grid. There are four main types you need to master: translation, reflection, rotation, and enlargement.

Translation is the easiest one to grasp - it's just sliding a shape from one place to another without changing its size or orientation. When describing horizontal movement, remember that moving right is positive and left is negative. For vertical movement, up is positive and down is negative. Always describe translations using a vector that shows exactly how far the shape moves.

Reflection creates a mirror image of your shape across a line of reflection. The original and reflected shapes are always congruent (identical in size and shape). When answering exam questions, make sure you mention both "reflection" and the equation of the line you're reflecting across.

Rotation spins a shape around a fixed point called the centre of rotation. You'll typically work with angles of 90°, 180°, or 270°, and the direction can be clockwise or anticlockwise. Don't forget to identify all three key elements: the angle, direction, and centre point.

Pro tip: Always check your rotations by tracing the shape with your finger - it helps you visualise the movement!

Enlargement changes the size of a shape using a scale factor. Calculate this by dividing the new length by the old length. If the scale factor is greater than 1, the shape gets bigger; if it's between 0 and 1, it shrinks. Remember that invariant points are special spots that don't move during certain transformations - they're often key to solving tricky problems.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Similar content

Understanding Translations

Explore the concept of translations in geometry, focusing on column vectors and their role in movement. This summary covers rigid transformations, including translations, rotations, and reflections, along with a flow chart to help identify transformation types. Ideal for students seeking clarity on geometric transformations.

MathsMaths
7

Geometric Transformations Overview

Explore the key concepts of geometric transformations including translations, reflections, rotations, and enlargements. This summary provides clear examples and explanations of each transformation type, along with vector applications for effective shape manipulation.

MathsMaths
9

GCSE Maths Revision Guide

Comprehensive solutions and explanations for past GCSE Maths Paper 1 questions. Topics include solving quadratics, area calculations, ratios, probability, and more. Ideal for students preparing for their exams, with clear step-by-step methods and key concepts highlighted.

MathsMaths
9

Understanding Scale Factors

Master the concept of enlargements in geometry with this detailed guide. Learn how to calculate positive, fractional, and negative scale factors, and accurately describe transformations including the center of enlargement. Ideal for students tackling geometry problems involving scaling and dilation.

MathsMaths
9

Trigonometry: Sine & Cosine Rules

Explore essential trigonometric concepts including the Sine and Cosine rules, solving general triangles, and trigonometric equations. This study resource is tailored for GCSE Maths, Further Maths, and FSMQ students, providing clear examples and formulas to enhance understanding and problem-solving skills.

MathsMaths
10

GCSE Maths Grade 5 Essentials

This comprehensive booklet provides essential practice and answers for students aiming for a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths. Covering key topics such as trigonometry, percentages, probability, and geometry, it includes worked examples and practice questions to enhance understanding and exam readiness.

MathsMaths
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user