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Translation - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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In GCSE Mathematics, a translation is the transformation of moving a shape or object from one place to another. The size, shape and orientation of the shape is unchanged in a translation, it is just its position that changes. Translations are described by a vector, which is easiest to understand via an example ...

... a translation by the vector open parentheses table row cell negative 2 end cell row 4 end table close parentheses would mean the shape is moved two units to the left, and 4 units up.

In practice, rather than thinking of a translation moving 'the shape', you should choose any vertex of the shape, and translate that. This will avoid confusion whether the translated shape (image) overlaps the original shape (object).

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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