Translation

Hello, and welcome to Myriora Maths! Slide a shape across a grid without turning it or flipping it. That's called a translation. Let's see how to describe one.

In a translation, every point of the shape moves the same distance, in the same direction. The shape doesn't turn, and it doesn't change size.

We describe a translation by how far it moves across, and how far up or down. This triangle moves four squares right, and two squares up.

To translate a shape, move one corner at a time. Count four right, then two up, for each corner. Then join the new corners.

With coordinates, add to the numbers. Four right adds four to the first number. Two up adds two to the second. So the corner at one, one moves to five, three.

Let's try one together. A point at two, three moves three right and one down. Where does it go? Say it out loud!

Three right: two add three is five. One down: three take away one is two. So it goes to five, two!

Here's a question that catches lots of people. A square is translated three right. Some people count three squares from the right-hand edge of the old square to the left-hand edge of the new one, and leave a gap. But every corner moves three. Count from a corner to the same corner.

Your turn! A point at four, one moves two left and three up. Where does it go? Pick the right card. You've got twenty seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! Two left: four take away two is two. Three up: one add three is four. So it goes to two, four!

Quick review. A translation slides a shape without turning or flipping it. Describe it by how far across, and how far up or down. Move every corner by the same amount. With coordinates, add or take away. See you next time!