Translation, also known as a shift or slide, is a type of geometric transformation that moves every point of an object a certain distance in a specified direction. This transformation does not change the orientation, size, or shape of the object. Only its position changes.
Apply the same vector to every point. For a line equation, express the original coordinates in terms of the image coordinates first. For a triangle, check all three vertices so the shape stays unchanged.
Translate the point (−4,4) by the following vector and determine its image:
(−2−3)
Determine the image of the line l≡5x−2y+3=0 under the following translation:
(2−1)
A triangle has vertices A(1,1), B(4,1), and C(1,5). Translate it by the following vector and determine the coordinates of A′B′C′:
A negative sign means a shift left or down. In the line equation, use inverse substitution because the original equation describes coordinates before the translation.
Solution 1
For the point (−4,4), use x=−4,y=4,a=−2,b=−3.
x′=−4+(−2)=−6
y′=4+(−3)=1
Thus, the image point is (−6,1).
Solution 2
For the line 5x−2y+3=0, use a=2,b=−1.
x′=x+2⟹x=x′−2
y′=y−1⟹y=y′+1
Substitute into the line equation:
5(x′−2)−2(y′+1)+3=0
5x′−10−2y′−2+3=0
5x′−2y′−9=0
Image line equation: 5x−2y−9=0.
Solution 3
Translate each vertex A(1,1), B(4,1), and C(1,5) using a=2,b=3.
A′(1+2,1+3)=A′(3,4)
B′(4+2,1+3)=B′(6,4)
C′(1+2,5+3)=C′(3,8)
The coordinates of the image triangle are A′(3,4), B′(6,4), and C′(3,8).
Triangle Before and After Translation
All three vertices move by the same vector. Side lengths and triangle area are preserved.