Basic Math

Congruence transformations | Tenth Grade

Congruence Transformations - Tenth Grade Geometry

Introduction to Congruence Transformations

Transformation: A change in position, size, or shape of a figure
Pre-image: The original figure before transformation
Image: The figure after transformation (denoted with prime notation: A')
Congruent: Same size and shape (side lengths and angle measures unchanged)
Congruence Transformation (Rigid Motion): A transformation that preserves size and shape

1. Classify Congruence Transformations

Three Types of Congruence Transformations:
1. Translation (Slide) - Moving all points the same distance in same direction
2. Reflection (Flip) - Flipping figure over a line
3. Rotation (Turn) - Turning figure around a point

Key Property: All preserve congruence (size, shape, angles, side lengths)
Not Congruence Transformations: Dilation (resizing) - changes size
Properties of Congruence Transformations:

What is PRESERVED (stays the same):
• Length of sides
• Angle measures
• Perimeter
• Area
• Parallelism (parallel lines stay parallel)
• Collinearity (points on a line stay on a line)

What MAY CHANGE:
• Position (location)
• Orientation (which way figure faces)

Direct vs. Opposite Transformations:
Direct (Preserves orientation): Translation, Rotation
Opposite (Reverses orientation): Reflection

2. Translations (Slides)

Translation: A transformation that slides all points the same distance in the same direction
Vector: Shows direction and distance of translation
Notation: $(x, y) \to (x + h, y + k)$ where $h$ and $k$ are horizontal and vertical shifts
Result: Pre-image and image are congruent and have same orientation

Translation Rules

Translation Formula:

$$T_{(h,k)}(x, y) = (x + h, y + k)$$

Where:
• $h$ = horizontal shift (positive = right, negative = left)
• $k$ = vertical shift (positive = up, negative = down)

Common Translations:
• Right: $(x, y) \to (x + h, y)$
• Left: $(x, y) \to (x - h, y)$
• Up: $(x, y) \to (x, y + k)$
• Down: $(x, y) \to (x, y - k)$
• Diagonal: $(x, y) \to (x + h, y + k)$
Example 1: Graph the image

Translate point A(2, 3) using rule $(x, y) \to (x + 4, y - 2)$

$A(2, 3) \to A'(2 + 4, 3 - 2) = A'(6, 1)$

The point moves 4 units right and 2 units down
Example 2: Find coordinates

Triangle ABC with A(1, 2), B(3, 5), C(4, 1) is translated 3 units left and 2 units up. Find A'B'C'.

Translation rule: $(x, y) \to (x - 3, y + 2)$

$A(1, 2) \to A'(1-3, 2+2) = A'(-2, 4)$
$B(3, 5) \to B'(3-3, 5+2) = B'(0, 7)$
$C(4, 1) \to C'(4-3, 1+2) = C'(1, 3)$
Example 3: Write the rule

Point P(5, 7) is translated to P'(2, 10). Write the translation rule.

$h = x' - x = 2 - 5 = -3$
$k = y' - y = 10 - 7 = 3$

Translation rule: $(x, y) \to (x - 3, y + 3)$
In words: 3 units left and 3 units up

3. Reflections (Flips)

Reflection: A transformation that flips a figure over a line of reflection
Line of Reflection: The "mirror line" - perpendicular bisector of segments connecting pre-image to image points
Key Property: Each point and its image are equidistant from line of reflection
Result: Pre-image and image are congruent but orientation is reversed

Reflection Rules

Common Reflection Formulas:

1. Reflection over x-axis:
$$r_{x-axis}(x, y) = (x, -y)$$
Keep x, change sign of y

2. Reflection over y-axis:
$$r_{y-axis}(x, y) = (-x, y)$$
Change sign of x, keep y

3. Reflection over line $y = x$:
$$r_{y=x}(x, y) = (y, x)$$
Swap x and y coordinates

4. Reflection over line $y = -x$:
$$r_{y=-x}(x, y) = (-y, -x)$$
Swap and change signs of both coordinates

5. Reflection over origin:
$$r_{origin}(x, y) = (-x, -y)$$
Change signs of both coordinates
Example 1: Reflect over x-axis

Reflect point A(3, 5) over the x-axis

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (x, -y)$
$A(3, 5) \to A'(3, -5)$

The point is flipped to the opposite side of x-axis
Example 2: Reflect over y-axis

Triangle DEF with D(-2, 3), E(-4, 1), F(-1, 2) reflected over y-axis. Find D'E'F'.

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (-x, y)$

$D(-2, 3) \to D'(2, 3)$
$E(-4, 1) \to E'(4, 1)$
$F(-1, 2) \to F'(1, 2)$
Example 3: Reflect over $y = x$

Reflect point B(4, 7) over line $y = x$

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (y, x)$
$B(4, 7) \to B'(7, 4)$

Coordinates are swapped
Example 4: Find coordinates

Point P(6, -3) is reflected over the origin. Find P'.

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (-x, -y)$
$P(6, -3) \to P'(-6, 3)$

4. Rotations (Turns)

Rotation: A transformation that turns a figure around a fixed point
Center of Rotation: The fixed point around which figure rotates
Angle of Rotation: Number of degrees figure turns
Direction: Counterclockwise (positive) or Clockwise (negative)
Result: Pre-image and image are congruent, same orientation for even multiples of 180°

Rotation Rules (About Origin)

Common Rotation Formulas (Counterclockwise about origin):

1. Rotation 90° counterclockwise:
$$R_{90°}(x, y) = (-y, x)$$

2. Rotation 180° (either direction):
$$R_{180°}(x, y) = (-x, -y)$$

3. Rotation 270° counterclockwise (or 90° clockwise):
$$R_{270°}(x, y) = (y, -x)$$

4. Rotation 360°:
$$R_{360°}(x, y) = (x, y)$$
Returns to original position

Note: Clockwise rotations are negative angles
• 90° clockwise = -90° = 270° counterclockwise
• 180° clockwise = -180° = 180° (same either way)
Example 1: Rotate 90° counterclockwise

Rotate point A(3, 2) 90° counterclockwise about origin

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (-y, x)$
$A(3, 2) \to A'(-2, 3)$
Example 2: Rotate 180°

Triangle PQR with P(1, 4), Q(3, 5), R(2, 1) rotated 180° about origin. Find P'Q'R'.

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (-x, -y)$

$P(1, 4) \to P'(-1, -4)$
$Q(3, 5) \to Q'(-3, -5)$
$R(2, 1) \to R'(-2, -1)$
Example 3: Rotate 270° counterclockwise

Rotate point B(4, -2) 270° counterclockwise about origin

Using rule: $(x, y) \to (y, -x)$
$B(4, -2) \to B'(-2, -4)$
Example 4: Write the rule

Point M(5, 3) is rotated to M'(-3, 5). What is the rotation?

Compare: $(5, 3) \to (-3, 5)$
This matches pattern: $(x, y) \to (-y, x)$

Answer: 90° counterclockwise rotation about origin

5. Glide Reflections

Glide Reflection: A composition of a translation and a reflection
Components: Translation (glide) + Reflection
Key Property: Line of reflection is parallel to direction of translation
Order: Can reflect first then translate, OR translate first then reflect
Real-world Example: Footprints - alternating left and right steps
Result: Pre-image and image are congruent, orientation reversed
Glide Reflection Process:

Method 1: Translate then Reflect
Step 1: Apply translation $(x, y) \to (x + h, y + k)$
Step 2: Apply reflection over line parallel to translation direction

Method 2: Reflect then Translate
Step 1: Apply reflection over line
Step 2: Apply translation parallel to reflection line

Common Example:
Translate horizontally, then reflect over horizontal line:
$(x, y) \to (x + h, y) \to (x + h, -y)$

Or: $(x, y) \to (x, -y) \to (x + h, -y)$ (same result!)
Example 1: Glide reflection

Point A(2, 3) translated 4 units right, then reflected over x-axis. Find A'.

Step 1: Translate
$(2, 3) \to (2 + 4, 3) = (6, 3)$

Step 2: Reflect over x-axis
$(6, 3) \to (6, -3)$

Final image: A'(6, -3)
Example 2: Glide reflection (reverse order)

Triangle with vertices B(1, 2). First reflect over x-axis, then translate 3 units right.

Step 1: Reflect over x-axis
$(1, 2) \to (1, -2)$

Step 2: Translate right 3
$(1, -2) \to (4, -2)$

Final image: B'(4, -2)

6. Sequences of Congruence Transformations

Sequence (Composition): Two or more transformations performed in order
Notation: $(T_2 \circ T_1)(x, y)$ means do $T_1$ first, then $T_2$
Order Matters: Different orders can produce different results
Result: Final image is still congruent to pre-image
Common Sequences:

1. Translation followed by Translation:
• Results in another translation
• Add the horizontal and vertical shifts

2. Reflection followed by Reflection:
• Over parallel lines → Translation
• Over intersecting lines → Rotation
• Over same line → Returns to original

3. Rotation followed by Rotation (same center):
• Results in another rotation
• Add the angles

4. Translation + Reflection:
• Glide reflection (if parallel)
• Order may or may not matter
Example 1: Sequence of transformations

Point A(2, 1): Reflect over y-axis, then translate up 3 units. Find A'.

Step 1: Reflect over y-axis
$(2, 1) \to (-2, 1)$

Step 2: Translate up 3
$(-2, 1) \to (-2, 4)$

Final image: A'(-2, 4)
Example 2: Choose the sequence

Triangle ABC at (1,1), (3,1), (2,3) becomes A'B'C' at (-1,-1), (-3,-1), (-2,-3). What transformation?

Notice all coordinates changed signs: $(x, y) \to (-x, -y)$

This is 180° rotation about origin
(Could also be two reflections: over x-axis then y-axis)
Example 3: Find the rules

Point P(4, 2) transformed to P''(-2, -4) through two transformations. Describe.

Possible sequence 1:
Reflect over y-axis: $(4, 2) \to (-4, 2)$
Translate left 2, down 6: $(-4, 2) \to (-2, -4)$

Possible sequence 2:
Rotate 180°: $(4, 2) \to (-4, -2)$
Translate right 2, down 2: $(-4, -2) \to (-2, -4)$

7. Transformations That Carry a Polygon Onto Itself

Symmetry: A transformation that maps a figure onto itself
Line of Symmetry: A reflection line that maps figure onto itself
Rotational Symmetry: A rotation (other than 360°) that maps figure onto itself
Order of Rotational Symmetry: Number of positions where figure looks the same during 360° rotation
Symmetries of Common Shapes:

Equilateral Triangle:
• 3 lines of symmetry
• Rotational symmetry: 120°, 240°
• Order: 3

Square:
• 4 lines of symmetry (2 diagonals, 2 through midpoints)
• Rotational symmetry: 90°, 180°, 270°
• Order: 4

Rectangle (not square):
• 2 lines of symmetry (through midpoints)
• Rotational symmetry: 180°
• Order: 2

Regular Pentagon:
• 5 lines of symmetry
• Rotational symmetry: 72°, 144°, 216°, 288°
• Order: 5

Regular n-gon:
• n lines of symmetry
• Rotational symmetry: $\frac{360°}{n}$, $\frac{2 \times 360°}{n}$, etc.
• Order: n
Example 1: Find symmetries

List all transformations that carry a square ABCD onto itself.

Reflections (4):
• Over vertical line through center
• Over horizontal line through center
• Over diagonal AC
• Over diagonal BD

Rotations (3) about center:
• 90° counterclockwise
• 180°
• 270° counterclockwise

Identity (1): 360° rotation (or 0°)

Total: 8 symmetries
Example 2: Rotational symmetry

A regular hexagon has what rotational symmetries?

Angle = $\frac{360°}{6} = 60°$

Rotational symmetries:
• 60° (order 1)
• 120° (order 2)
• 180° (order 3)
• 240° (order 4)
• 300° (order 5)
• 360° (order 6 - identity)

Order of rotational symmetry: 6

Transformation Rules Quick Reference

TransformationRuleDescription
Translation$(x, y) \to (x + h, y + k)$Slide h units horizontally, k units vertically
Reflection over x-axis$(x, y) \to (x, -y)$Flip over x-axis
Reflection over y-axis$(x, y) \to (-x, y)$Flip over y-axis
Reflection over $y = x$$(x, y) \to (y, x)$Swap coordinates
Reflection over $y = -x$$(x, y) \to (-y, -x)$Swap and negate coordinates
Rotation 90° CCW$(x, y) \to (-y, x)$Rotate counterclockwise about origin
Rotation 180°$(x, y) \to (-x, -y)$Rotate 180° about origin
Rotation 270° CCW$(x, y) \to (y, -x)$Rotate 270° CCW (or 90° CW)

Properties Comparison

PropertyTranslationReflectionRotation
Preserves sizeYesYesYes
Preserves shapeYesYesYes
Preserves orientationYes (direct)No (opposite)Yes (direct)
Preserves angle measuresYesYesYes
Preserves distanceYesYesYes
Changes positionYesYesYes

Symmetries of Regular Polygons

PolygonSidesLines of SymmetryRotational Symmetry AnglesOrder
Equilateral Triangle33120°, 240°3
Square4490°, 180°, 270°4
Regular Pentagon5572°, 144°, 216°, 288°5
Regular Hexagon6660°, 120°, 180°, 240°, 300°6
Regular Octagon8845°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°8
Regular n-gonnn$\frac{360°}{n}$, $\frac{2 \times 360°}{n}$, ...n

Key Formulas Summary

ConceptFormulaNotes
Translation Vector$\langle h, k \rangle$ or $(h, k)$h = horizontal, k = vertical shift
Distance Preserved$d(A, B) = d(A', B')$True for all congruence transformations
Angle Preserved$m\angle ABC = m\angle A'B'C'$True for all congruence transformations
Regular n-gon Rotation$\frac{360°}{n}$Minimum angle of rotational symmetry
Glide ReflectionTranslation + ReflectionLine of reflection ∥ direction of translation
Success Tips for Congruence Transformations:
✓ Congruence transformations: Translation, Reflection, Rotation (preserve size and shape)
✓ Translation: $(x, y) \to (x + h, y + k)$ - slides figure
✓ Reflection over x-axis: $(x, y) \to (x, -y)$; over y-axis: $(x, y) \to (-x, y)$
✓ Rotation 90° CCW: $(x, y) \to (-y, x)$; 180°: $(x, y) \to (-x, -y)$
✓ Glide reflection = translation + reflection (or vice versa)
✓ Order matters in sequences (except for some cases)
✓ Reflections reverse orientation; translations and rotations preserve it
✓ Regular n-gon has n lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry of $\frac{360°}{n}$
✓ Prime notation (A') indicates image after transformation
✓ All congruence transformations preserve distance, angles, and parallelism!
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