When you start learning about transformations in Year 8 math, it's really important to understand how these changes move points on the Cartesian plane. Here’s a simple guide to the main types of transformations you’ll see:

1. Translation

• What it is: This means moving a shape or point a certain distance in a specific direction.
• Effect on Coordinates: If you move a point $(x, y)$ by $(a, b)$, the new coordinates will be $(x + a, y + b)$.

2. Reflection

• What it is: This is like flipping a shape over a line, such as the x-axis or y-axis.
• Effect on Coordinates:
  • Flipping over the x-axis changes a point $(x, y)$ to $(x, -y)$.
  • Flipping over the y-axis changes it to $(-x, y)$.

3. Rotation

• What it is: This means turning a shape around a fixed point, usually the origin.
• Effect on Coordinates: For example, if you rotate a point $(x, y)$ by 90 degrees to the left (counterclockwise) around the origin, the new coordinates will be $(-y, x)$.

4. Scaling (Dilation)

• What it is: This is about making a shape bigger or smaller from a center point.
• Effect on Coordinates: If you scale a shape by a factor of $k$, the new coordinates for a point $(x, y)$ will be $(kx, ky)$.

Understanding these transformations is really useful! They’re not just ideas in math; they can be used in real-life situations like computer graphics or art. Knowing each transformation helps you move shapes around and predict where they will end up on the grid.