The ray diagrams of the preceding examples can be used to determine the location,
orientation, and size of the image. The nature of the image—that is, whether it’s real
or virtual—can be determined by seeing on which side of the mirror the image is
formed. If the image is formed on the same side of the mirror as the object, then the
image is real, but if the image is formed on the opposite side of the mirror, it’s
virtual. Therefore, the image in Question 8 is real, and the image in Question 9 is
virtual.
Using Equations to Answer Questions About the Image
The fastest and easiest way to get information about an image is to use two
equations and some simple conventions. You should know how to use these two
equations for the SAT Physics Subject Test.