How_To_Be_Good_At_Math

GEOMETRY • TRANSLATION 265

Using a grid to translate a shape

When we use a grid to translate a shape, we use the word “units” to describe

the number of squares the shape is translated by. Let’s translate a triangle!

Triangle translations

How many different translations of the

triangle are possible on this geoboard?

We’ve shown one to get to you started

• now it’s over to you!

TRY IT OUT

Answer on page 320

Now use a ruler and pencil to join up

the points you made to draw the new

triangle A’B’C’.

To make a diagonal translation, count

six units up, then four units to the

right from each vertex. Plot the three new

points and draw the new triangle A’B’C’.

The new

triangle is

exactly the

same size

and shape

as the

original

Mark a new

point six units

up from each

original vertex

Count six

units up and

Imperial units

along from

each vertex

Let’s move the triangle up by six units.

First, we label the vertices A, B, and C.

Then we count up six units from each vertex

and label the new points A’, B’, and C’.

C ’

A’

B’

C ’

A’

B’

A

C

B

A

C

B

C ’

A’

B’

A

C

B

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