Describing Translations on a Coordinate Plane

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 51 views

Introduction

In mathematics, a translation is a fundamental concept that involves moving a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation. When dealing with coordinate planes, translations can be described using specific rules that involve changing the x and y coordinates of a point. In this article, we will explore the concept of translations on a coordinate plane and determine which rule describes a translation of 5 units up and 3 units to the left.

What is a Translation?

A translation is a transformation that moves a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation. This means that the distance between the original and final positions of the point or shape remains the same, but the direction of the movement changes. In the context of coordinate planes, translations can be described using specific rules that involve changing the x and y coordinates of a point.

Describing Translations on a Coordinate Plane

To describe a translation on a coordinate plane, we need to consider the movement of a point in two dimensions. The x-coordinate represents the horizontal movement, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical movement. When a point is translated, its x and y coordinates change accordingly.

Rule A: ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x+5, y-3)$}$

This rule describes a translation of 5 units to the right and 3 units down. The x-coordinate increases by 5, while the y-coordinate decreases by 3. This means that the point moves 5 units to the right and 3 units down from its original position.

Rule B: ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x+5, y+3)$}$

This rule describes a translation of 5 units to the right and 3 units up. The x-coordinate increases by 5, while the y-coordinate increases by 3. This means that the point moves 5 units to the right and 3 units up from its original position.

Rule C: ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x-3, y+5)$}$

This rule describes a translation of 3 units to the left and 5 units up. The x-coordinate decreases by 3, while the y-coordinate increases by 5. This means that the point moves 3 units to the left and 5 units up from its original position.

Which Rule Describes the Translation?

Based on the given information, the translation involves moving a point 5 units up and 3 units to the left. This means that the x-coordinate decreases by 3, while the y-coordinate increases by 5. Therefore, the correct rule that describes this translation is:

${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x-3, y+5)$}$

This rule accurately describes the translation of 5 units up and 3 units to the left.

Conclusion

In conclusion, translations on a coordinate plane involve changing the x and y coordinates of a point to move it from one location to another. The correct rule that describes a translation of 5 units up and 3 units to the left is ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x-3, y+5)$}$. This rule accurately describes the movement of a point in two dimensions, taking into account the horizontal and vertical components of the translation.

Key Takeaways

A translation is a transformation that moves a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation.
To describe a translation on a coordinate plane, we need to consider the movement of a point in two dimensions.
The x-coordinate represents the horizontal movement, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical movement.
The correct rule that describes a translation of 5 units up and 3 units to the left is ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x-3, y+5)$}$.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of translations on a coordinate plane and determined which rule describes a translation of 5 units up and 3 units to the left. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to coordinate plane translations.

Q: What is the difference between a translation and a rotation?

A: A translation is a transformation that moves a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation. A rotation, on the other hand, is a transformation that turns a point or a shape around a fixed point without changing its size or orientation.

Q: How do I describe a translation on a coordinate plane?

A: To describe a translation on a coordinate plane, you need to consider the movement of a point in two dimensions. The x-coordinate represents the horizontal movement, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical movement. You can use the following rule to describe a translation: ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x + h, y + k)$}$, where (h, k) is the translation vector.

Q: What is the translation vector?

A: The translation vector is a pair of numbers (h, k) that represents the horizontal and vertical components of a translation. In the rule ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x + h, y + k)$}$, (h, k) is the translation vector.

Q: How do I graph a translation on a coordinate plane?

A: To graph a translation on a coordinate plane, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the original point or shape.
Determine the translation vector (h, k).
Add the horizontal component (h) to the x-coordinate of the original point.
Add the vertical component (k) to the y-coordinate of the original point.
Plot the new point or shape.

Q: Can I use a translation to reflect a point or a shape across a line?

A: Yes, you can use a translation to reflect a point or a shape across a line. To reflect a point or a shape across a line, you need to use a translation vector that is perpendicular to the line. The length of the translation vector will depend on the distance between the original point or shape and the line.

Q: How do I use a translation to dilate a point or a shape?

A: To dilate a point or a shape using a translation, you need to use a translation vector that is proportional to the scale factor. The scale factor is a number that represents the ratio of the new size to the original size.

Q: Can I use a translation to rotate a point or a shape?

A: No, you cannot use a translation to rotate a point or a shape. A translation moves a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation, while a rotation turns a point or a shape around a fixed point without changing its size or orientation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, translations on a coordinate plane involve changing the x and y coordinates of a point to move it from one location to another. By understanding the concept of translations and how to describe them, you can develop a deeper appreciation for the mathematics behind coordinate geometry and graphing.

Key Takeaways

A translation is a transformation that moves a point or a shape from one location to another without changing its size or orientation.
To describe a translation on a coordinate plane, you need to consider the movement of a point in two dimensions.
The x-coordinate represents the horizontal movement, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical movement.
You can use the rule ${$ (x, y) \rightarrow (x + h, y + k)$}$ to describe a translation, where (h, k) is the translation vector.