Coordinate Geometry

10 Reflection

INTRODUCTION
Coordinate geometry is that branch of Mathematics which deals with the study of geometry
by means of algebra. In coordinate geometry, we represent a point in a plane by an ordered
pair of real numbers, called coordinates of the point; and a straight line or a curve by an
algebraic equation with real coefficients. Thus, we use algebra advantageously to the study
of straight lines and geometric curves.
Recall that there is one and only one point on a number line associated with each
real number. A similar situation exists for points in a plane and ordered pairs of real
numbers.
In this chapter, we shall learn the concept of reflection of a point in a line. In particular
we will find the reflection of a point in lines: x = 0, y = 0, x = a, y = a. We shal also find
the reflection of a point in the origin and will study about invariant points.

10.1 CARTESIAN SYSTEM OF COORDINATESs

When two numbered lines perpendicular to each other Y
(usually horizontal and vertical) are placed together
so that the two origins (the points corresponding to
y-axis
zero) coincide and the lines are perpendicular, then the
x-axis
resulting configuration is called a cartesian coordinate
system or a coordinate planne.
TT
Let XOX and YOY, two number lines perpendicular X
to each other, meet at the point O (shown in the Origin
adjoining figure), then -2

() XOX is called x-axis.

(i) YOY is called y-axis.
(ii) X'OX and Y'OY taken together are called
coordinate axes.
(iv) the point O is called the origin.

10.1.1 Coordinates of a point P(x. y)

Let P be any point in the coordinate plane. From P draw
PM perpendicular to X'OX, then
() OM is called x-coordinate or abscissa of P and is Abscissa i v
usually denoted by x. X ---> M K

(i) MP is called y-coordinate or ordinate of P and is

usually denoted by y.
Y'V

196 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

i ) x and y taken together are called cartesian coordinates or simply coordinates of P and
are denoted by (x, y).
Remarks

T h e coordinates of a point indicate its position with reference to coordinate axes.

Instating the coordinates of a point, the abscissa precedes the ordinate. The two
are separated by a comma and are enclosed in the bracket ( ) . Thus, a point P
whose abscissa is 'x and ordinate is 'y is written as (x, y) or P (*, y).
The coordinates of the origin O are (0, 0).

Convention for signs of coordinates

of O i.e.
)The -coordinate (abscissa) of a point is positive if it is measured to the right
OX.
along OX and is negative if it is measured to the left of O i.e. along
measured upwards i.e. along
(n) The y-coordinate (ordinate) of a point is positive if it is
OY and is negative if it is measured downwards i.e. along OY

10.2 REFLECTION OF A POINT IN A LINE

notice that:
When we see the image of an object in a plane mirror, we

the distance of the object in

the distance of the image behind the mirror is the same as
()
front of it. P(OBJEC
() the mirror line is perpendicular to the line joining the object
and its image.
Thus, if P is the object and P its image in a plane mirror, A D
bisector of the /1l1|1T7TTTTT1|71T7

hen the mirror line (say AB) is the perpendicular PLANE MIRROR)
line segment PP'. This leads to0
P in line AB
reflection (or imnage) of a point
a
Definition. The
bisector of the line PIMAGE
iS a point P' such that AB is the perpendicular
segment PP
The line AB is called axis of reflection (or mediator)

Invariant point
is P itself. Such a point
the line AB, then the image of P
In particular, if the point P lies on This leads to:
1S called an invariant point
with respect to the line AB.
line if and only if it
invariant point with respect to a given
Definition. A point is called an
lies on the line.

point in the x-axis

10.2.1 Reflectiom of a
From P, draw PM perpendicular to
in the coordinate plane.
Let Pox, y) be any point the point P is the reflection
X-axis and produce it to a point P' such
that MP =
MP. Then
of the point P in the x-axis.
the coordinates of
the point P are (x, -y).
From figure, the x-axis is the
Thus, the reflection of the point P(x,y) in
point P (x, -y).
of a point in the x-axis:
Rule to find the reflection M
x-coordinate.
) Retain the abscissa i.e.
ordinate i.e. y-coordinate.
(ii) Change the sign of

Reflection 197
 For exanple:
() the reflection of the point (2, 3) in the x-axis is the point (2, -3).
(i) the reflection of the point (-4, -1) in the x-axis is the point (-4, 1).
(ii) the reflection of the point (5, 0) in the x-axis is the point itself, therefore, the point
(5, 0) is invariant with respect to x-axis.

10.2.2 Reflection of a point in the y-axis

Let P(x, y) be any point in the coordinate plane. From P, draw
PN perpendicular to y-axis and produce it to a point P' such
that NP = NP. Then the point P is the reflection of the point P
in the y-axis. P'-x,y) P(x, yy
From figure, the coordinates of the point P are (-x, y).
Thus, the reflection of the point P(%,y) in the y-axis is the
point P -x, y).
Rule to find the reflection of point in the
a
y-axis:
i) Change the sign of abscissa i.e. x-c0ordinate.
(ii) Retain the ordinate i.e. y-coordinate.
For example:
) the reflection of the point (2, 3) in the y-axis is the point (-2, 3).
(ti) the reflection of the point (-4, -1) in the y-axis is the point (4, -1).
(ii) the reflection of the point (0, 5) in the y-axis is the point itself, therefore, the point
(0, 5) is invariant with respect to y-axis.

10.2.3 Reflection of a point in a line parallel to x-axis

Let Plx, y) be any point in the coordinate plane and AB be
a line parallel to x-axis.
Equation of the line AB is y = a, where a is positive if the
line AB lies above the x-axis and a is negative if it lies below
the x-axis. See article 12.2.1)
From P, draw PM perpendicular to the line AB and
produce it to a point P such that MP' = MP. Then the point
P is the reflection of the point P in the line AB ie. in the
line y = a.

From figure, the coordinates of the point M are

F2a)}
(x, a). Let the coordinates of the point P be (a, p).
Since MP = MP i.e. M(x, a) is the mid-point of the line segment PP, we have

x andP =a (See article 11.1.1)

2
x +0 = 2x and y + B = 2a

o = X and ß = -y + 2a

the coordinates of the point P are (x, -y + 2a).

Thus, the reflection of the point P(x, y) in the line y = a is the point P(x, -y + 2a).
For examnple:
(t) the reflection of the point (4, 5) in the line y = 2 is the point (4, -5 +2 x 2) 1e.
(4, -1).
(i) the reflection of the point (-2, -3) in the line y = 2 is the point (-2, 3 2 x 2) i.e.
-2, 7).

198 Understanding 1CSE Mathematics - x

 of the point (3, 4) in the line y x(-1))
(Gi) the reflection
-4 2 Le.
= -1 is the point (3, +

(3, -6).
ip) the reflection of the point (-3, 2) in the line y = 2 is the point (-3, -2 +2 x 2) i.e. (-3, z
2.
ie. the point itselt, therefore, the point (-3, 2) is invariant with respect to the line y
=

10.2 Reflection of a point in a line parallel to y-axis

be any point in the coordinate plane and AB
Plx, y)
Tet
line parallel to y-axis.
be a
Eauation of the line AB is x a, where a is positive if=

#he line AB
lies to the right of y-axis and a is negative if
left of y-axis. (See article 12.2.2) P
itlies to the
the line AB and x+24, )
From P, draw PM perpendicular to

point P such that MP MP. Then the

produce it to =
a

noint P is the reflection of the point P in the line AB i.e.

in the line x
= a.

the coordinates of the point M Y

From figure, are

(a,y). Let the coordinates of the point P be («, B)

MP ie. M(a, y) is mid-point of the line segment PP, we have
Since MP
X+C
= a and = 1 (See article 11.1.1)
2
x+O = 2a and y + B = 2y
o = -x + 2a and ß =y
the coordinates of the point P' are (x + 2a, y)
Thus, the reflection of the point P(x, y) in the line x = a is the point P" (-x + 2a, y).

For example:
the reflection of the point (3, 2) in the line x =2 is the point (-3 2 x 2, 2) i.e.
()
(1, 2).
(i) the reflection of the point (-3, -4) in the line x =
2 is the point (3 2 x2,-4) i.e.
(7,-4).
line =-1 is the point (-2+2 x(-1), -5) i.e.
ii) the reflection of the point (2, -5) in the x

-4,-5).
(iv) the reflection of the point (2, -3) in the linex
= 2 is the point (-2 + 2 x 2, -3) i.e.
(2, -3) is invariant with
(2, -3) i.e. the point itself, therefore, the point respect to
the line x = 2.
p
10.3 REFLECTION OF A POINT IN A POINT

Definition. The reflection (or image) of a point P in a given point

1S a point P' such that M is the mid-point of the line segment PP'.

P
10.3.1 Reflection of a point in the origin
Let P (x, y) be any point in the coordinate plane. Join PO, and
such that OP' OP. Then the P
produce
s the
it to a point P =
point P(..
reflection of the point P in the origin.
rom figure, the coordinates of the point P are (-x, -y).
hus, the reflection of the point P(x,y) in the origin is the
O(0, 0)
point P'(-x, -y)
Rule to find the reflection of a point in the origin :
i) Change the sign of abscissa i.e. X-coordinate P-X,)
)Change the sign of ordinate i.e. y-coordinate.

Reflectioon 199
 For example:
) the reflection of the point (2, 3) in the origin is the point (-2, -3).
(i) the reflection of the point (-4, -1) in the origin is the point (4, 1).
(i) the reflection of the point (5, 0) in the origin is the point (-5, 0).

Illustrative Examples
Example 1. The point P (-3, -2) on reflection in x-axis is mapped on P'. Then P
on
reflection in the origin is mapped as P'", Find the coordinates of P and P
Write down a single transformation that maps P onto P"
Solution. Since the point P' is the reflection of the point
P(-3, -2) in x-axis, the coordinates of P are (-3, 2).
|
Further, as the point P" is the reflection of the point 3.2)
P(-3, 2) in the origin, the coordinates of P" are (3, -2).
The single transformation the reflection of the
- -

point
P(-3,-2) in y-axis maps it onto P" (3, -2).

P-3,-2) p
V
3-2

Example 2. A point P under reflection in y-axis is mapped onto P'(2, 3).

) Find the coordinates of P.
(i) Find the coordinates of the image of P under reflection in the line x = -1.
Solution.
) Since P(2, 3) is the image of P under reflection
in the y-axis, the coordinates of P are (-2, 3).
MP0,3) P2.3].
(ii) We know that the reflection of the point
x, y) in the line x = a is the point (-x +2a, y),
therefore, the image of the point P(-2, 3)
under reflection in the line x -1 is the point
=

P"-(-2) +2 x (-1), 3) i.e. the point P"(0, 3).

2
Example 3. A point P is reflected to P' in the x-axis. The coordinates of its image are
(2,-3). Find
(i) the coordinates of P.
(i) the coordinates of the image P" of P under reflection in the y-axis.
(ii) the coordinates of the image Q of the point Q (1, 2) in the ine PP'.
Solution.
() Since P'(2, -3) is the image of P in the
P(2,3)
x-axis, the coordinates of P are (2, 3). P(-2,3)3

(ii) The coordinates of the image P" of P under

reflection in the y-axis are (-2, 3).
(ii1) The coordinates of the
image Q of the point Q X-3-2- 12
(1, 2) in the line PP are (3, 2).

P(2-3)

200 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 ample 4. Points (3,0) and (-1,0) areinvariantpoints under reflection in the line L;points
O3) and (0, 1) are invariant points on reflection in line Lz.
(1) Name the lines L, and Lz.
(i) Write down the images of points P(3, 4) and Q(-5, -2) on reflection in Ly. Name
the images as P and Q respectively.
(ii) Write down the images of P and Q on reflection in Lg. Name the images as P"
and Q" respectively.
(iv) State or describe a single transformation that maps P' onto P".

Solution.

Since the points (3, 0) and (-1, 0)

are invariant points under
reflection in the line L the line P-3,4)
P3,4
L is the x-axis.
Similarly, the line L2 is the y-axis. Q5,2)
(i) The points P and Q are (3, -4) (0,1)
and (-5, 2) respectively. ,0) 3,0)
(it) The points P" and Q" are (-3, 4)
and (5,-2) respectively. Q5+2)
(io) The single transformation that 303
maps P onto P" is the reflection
P3-4)
in the origin.

Example 5. The points A (2, 1), B (0, 3) and C (-2,-2) are the vertices of a triangle.
) Plot the points on the graph paper.
these points in the x-axis.
(7) triangle formed by reflecting
Draw the
ii) Are the two triangles congruent?
Solution. Take 1 cm = 1unit on both axes.

() Plot the points A(2, 1), B(0, 3)

and C(-2, -2) as shown in the
adjoining diagram.
i) The points A' (2,-1), B' (0, -3) and
C(-2, 2) the reflections of the
are
A (2, 1)
in
points A, B and C respectively
the x-axis. The triangle formed by
the points A',B' and C' has been
dotted
shown in the diagram by A' (2,-1)
lines
ABC and
(ii) The two triangles C(-2, -
-2)
A'B'C' are congruent (measure
the distances and check it).

EXample 6. Use graph paper for this question.

and D (2, 2) are the vertices of quadrilateral. Name the
a
A (1, 1),
B (5, 1), C (4, 2) in the origin onto A', B', C' and D'
are reflected
quadrilateral ABCD. A, B, C and D
on the graph sheet and write their coordinates.
respectively.Locate A', B', C' and D
(2004)
Are D, A, A' and D' collinear?

Reflection 201
 Solution. Choose the coordinate axes as shown in the graph paper.
Take 1 cm = lunit on both axes.

D (2, 2)
(4, 2

,1) (5, 1)

B'-5,-1)

C4,-2 D2,-2)

Plot the points A(1, 1), B(5, 1), C4, 2) and D (2, 2) on the graph paper.
The quadrilateral ABCD is an isosceles trapezium.
Reflect the points A, B, C and D in the origin onto the points A', B, C' and D' respectively
as shown in the graph paper. The coordinates of these points are:
A' -1, -1), B' (-5, -1), C' (-4, -2) and D' (-2, -2).
On joining the points D and D', we find that the points A and A' lie on it. Hence, the
points D, A, A' and D' are collinear.
Example 7. Use a graph paper for this question. (Take 10 small divisions = 1 unit on
both axes).
Plot the points P(3, 2) and Q(-3,-2). From P and Q, draw perpendiculars PM and QN
on the x-axis.
(a) Name the image of P on reflection in the origin.
(6) Assign the special name to the geometrical figure PMQN and find its area.
(c) Write the coordinates of the point to which M is mapped on reflection in
) x-axis i) y-axis (ii) origin. (2003)
Solution.
(a) The image of the point P(3, 2)
on reflection in the origin is the
P(3, 2)
point (-3, -2) and the point Q has
coordinates(-3, -2):
Therefore, the image of the point
P on reflection in the origin is the
point Q.
(6) PMQN is a parallelogram.
Area of llgm PMQN
= 2 x area of ANMP

= 2. NM.MP=NM.MP Q-3,-2)
= 6 x 2 sq. units =
12 sq. units.
(c) The coordinates of the point to which M is mapped on reflection in
(i) x-axis are (3, 0)
(i) y-axis are-3, 0) ii) origin are (-3, 0).

202 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

Example 8. The point P(3, 4) is reflected P in the x-axis; and O is the image
to
of O (the
origin) when retlected in the line PP'.
Using graph paper, give:
() The coordinates of P' and O.
(i) The lengths of the segments PP' and O0'.
(i) The perimeter of the quadrilateral POPO.
(iD) The geometrical name of the figure POPO'.
(2002)
Solution. Take 1 cm = 1unit on both axes.

()Since P is the image of P in the x-axis, the

coordinates of P are (3, -4)
As O is the image of O (origin) in the line
PP', the coordinates of O are
(6, 0).
(m) Using graph, we find that length of segment PP' =8 units, length of segment O0
6 units.

P 3,4

O (6, 0

0)

,-

(ii) OM =3 units, MP =4 units.

From right angled AOMP, by Pythagoras theorem, we get
OP2 = OM2 + MP2
= 32 + 42 25
OP = 5 units.

Similarly,
OP =O'p' O'P 5 units.
= =

. Perimeter of the quadrilateral POP'O = (5 + 5 +5+5) units = 20 units.

io) POP'O is a rhombus.

EXample 9. Use graph paper for this question.
A(0, 3), B(3, -2) and O(0, 0) the vertices of triangle ABO.
are
() Plot the triangle on a graph sheet taking 2 cm =l unit on both the axes.
and write it coordinates.
(i) Plot D the reflection of B in the y-axis,
ABOD.
11) Give the geometrical name of the figure
(io) Write the equation of the line of symmetry of the figure ABOD. (2010)

Reflectionn 203
 Solution. Take 2 cm = 1 unit on both the axes
() Plot the point A(0, 3), B(3, -2) and O(0, 0) on the graph paper.

A(0, 3),

3,2 ) 3
(3,-2)

(i) Plot the point D which is the reflection of the

of D are (-3, -2). point B in the y-axis. The coordinates
(ii) ABOD is a kite (arrow).
(io) The axis of symmetry of the kite ABOD is
the y-axis, its
Example 10. Use graph paper for this equation is x =0.
question.
(Take 2 cm = 1 unit
along both x and y axes)
Plot the points O (0, 0), A (-4, 4), B (-3, 0) and C (0, -

3)
(i) Reflect points A and B
in the
down their coordinates. y-axis and name them A' and B'
respectively. Write
ii) Name the figure
OABCB'A
(i) State the line of
symmetry of this figure.
Solution. Take 2 (2016)
cm
=1 unit on both the axes.
Plot the
points O (0, 0), A (- 4, 4), B(- 3,
0) and c (0,
shown. -

3) on the graph paper as

204 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 O 00
(d3. 8, 0

C03

in the y-axis is the point A'(4, 4) and the

() The reflection of the point A(- 4, 4)
is the point B' (3, 0).
reflection of the point B(-3, 0) in the y-axis
(i) The figure OABCB'A' is a (concave) hexagon.
of the figure OABCB'A'.
(1) y-axis is the line of symmetry
to answer the following questions.
(Take 2 cm 1 unit on =

Example 11. Use graph paper

both axes)
) Plot the points A(-4, 2) and B(2, 4).
in the y-axis. Plot it on the graph paper and
(ii) A' is the image of A when reflected
write the coordinates of
A'.
when reflected in the
line AA. Write the coordinates of B'.
(1) B' is the image of B
ABA'B.
70) Write the geometric name
of the figure
the figure formed.
(2014)
() Name a line of symmetry of
olution. Take 2 cm 1unit on both axes.
=

as shown.
on the graph paper
Plot the points A(- 4, 2) and B(2, 4)
() 2) when reflected
in the y-axis is the point
7) The image of the point A(-4,
A (4, 2). reflected in the line AA' is the point
The of the point B (2, 4) when
(1) image
B' (2, 0).
(io) The figure ABA'B' is a kite. of the figure ABAB'.
() The line AA' i.e. y 2 is a line of symmetry
=

Reflection 205
 B (2, 4)

A(-4, 2) A' 4,2) -

B (2, 0)

Example 12. Attempt this question on graph paper.

() Plot A(3, 2) and B(5, 4) on the graph paper.
(i) Reflect A and B in the x-axis to A', B. Plot these on the same graph paper.
(ii) Write down
a) the geometrical name of the figure ABB'A'.
(b) the axis of symmetry of ABB'A'.
)the measure of the angle ABB
(d) the image A' of A, when A is reflected in the origin.
(e) the single transformation that maps A' to A'.
Solution. Take 1cm = 1unit on both axes.
(i) See the adjoining figure:
(ii) Since the points A', B
are the reflections of the
B5,
points A(3,2), B(5,4)
respectively in the x-axis,
the coordinates of A', B'
are (3,-2), (5, -4). (S,2)
ii) (a) The figure ABB'A'
is an isosceles
trapezium.
(b) The axis of symmetry
of ABB'A' is the
X-axis.
(c) LABB = 45°.
(d) The coordinates of A" "
are (-3, -2). 3-2) 3,-2)
(e) The single transfor-
mation that maps A'
to A" is the reflection
in the y-axis.

206 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 Exercise 10
in the
1. Find the coordinates of the images of the following points under reflection
X-axis:

) (2, -5) (ii) (-7, 0)

in the
7. Find the coordinates of the images of the following points under reflection
-axis:
) (2, -5) Gi (ii) (0, -7).
3. Find the coordinates of the images of the following points under reflection in the origin:

(2,-5) (i (iii) (0, 0).

4. The inmage of a point P under reflection in the x-axis is (5, -2). Write down the coordinates
of P.
are (8, -6).
5. A point P is reflected in the x-axis. Coordinates of its image
() Find the coordinates of P.
reflection in the y-axis.
(i) Find the coordinates of the image of P under Find
is reflected in the origin. Coordinates of its image are (2,-5).
6. A point P
() the coordinates of P.
in the x-axis.
(ii) the coordinates of the image of P P'. Find the
in the line x = 4 to the point
7. (i) The point P(2, 3) is reflected
coordinates of the point P'.
in the line x -1.
point P(1, -2)
=

Find the image of the

(ii) onto P'. Find the
reflection in the line y =1 is mapped
8. ) The point P(2, 4) on

coordinates of P'
in the line y = -2.
ii) image of the point P(-3, -5)
Find the
P' reflection
reflection in y-axis is mapped
on P'. The point on

9. The point P(-4, -5) on of P and P". Write down a single

P". Find the coordinates
in the origin is mapped on
that maps P onto P".
transformation
when:
coordinates of the image of the point (3, -2)
10. Write down the (i) reflected in the y-axis.
(i) reflected in the x-axis.
in the y-axis.
reflected in the x-axis
followed by reflection
(iii) (2000)
(iv) reflected in the origin.
1) under reflection in
x-axis followed by reflection
. Find the coordinates of the image of (3,
in the line x = 1.
P under reflection in the origin, find
12. If P(-4, -3) is the image of
a point
i) the coordinates of P. in the line y -2. =

of P under reflection
the coordinates of the image
(7) write down the values of a and
in the a-axis to P(2, -3),
13. A point P(a, b) is reflected Write down the coordinates
when reflected in the y-axis,
b6. P" is the image of P, relected in the line, parallel to
when P is
the coordinates of P",
of P". Find
4.
y-axis such that x Write down the values of a and b.
=

reflected in the x-axis to P(5, -2).

14 (i) Point P(a, b) is reflected in the y-axis.
Write down the coordinates of P".
P when
(i) P" is the image of that maps P to P".
transformation
(11) Name a single

Reflection 207
15. Points A and B have coordinates (2, 5) and (0, 3). Find:
() the image A' of A under reflection in the x-axis
) the image B' of B under reflection in the line AA'.
16. Plot the points A (2, -3), B (-1, 2) and C (0, -2) on the graph paper. Draw the triangle
formed by reflecting these points in the x-axis. Are the two triangles congruent?
17. The points (6, 2), (3, -1) and (-2, 4) are the vertices of a right angled triangle. Check
whether it remains a right angled triangle after reflection in the y-axis.
18. The triangle ABC where A (1, 2), B (4, 8), C (6, 8) is reflected in the x-axis to triangle
A B C'. The triangle A^' B C' is then reflected in the origin to triangle A"B"C". Write
down the coordinates of A", B", C". Write down a single transformation that maps ABC
onto A "B"C"
19. The image of a point P on reflection in a line l is point P'. Describe the location of the line
20. Given two points P and Q, and that (1) the image of P on reflection in y-axis is the
point Q and (2) the mid point of PQ is invariant on reflection in x-axis. Locate () the
x-axis (i) the y-axis and (ii) the origin.
21. The point (-3, 0) on reflection in a line is mapped as (3, 0) and the point (2, -3) on
reflection in the same line is mapped as (-2, -3).
) Name the mirror line.
(i) Write the coordinates of the image of (-3, -4) in the mirror line.
22. Use graph paper for this question (take 2 cm = 1 unit along both x and y-axis). ABCD
is a quadrilateral whose vertices are A (2, 2), B (2,-2), C (0, -1) and D (0, 1).
) Reflect quadrilateral ABCD on the y-axis and name it as A'B'CD
(i) Write down the coordinates of A' and B'.
(iii) Name two points which are invariant under the above reflection.
io) Name the polygon A'B'CD. (2018)
23. Use a graph sheet for this question. Take 1 cm = 1 unit alorng both x and y-axes.

() Plot the points: A (0, 5), B(3, 0), C(1, 0) and D(1, -5).
(ii) Reflect the points B, C and D on the y-axis and name them as B, C' and D'
respectively.
(iit) Write down the coordinates of B', C' and D'.
(io) Join the points A, B, C, D, D', c, B, A in order and give a name to the closed
figure ABCDD'C'B. (2019)
24. Use graph paper for this question.
(i) The point P(2, -4) is reflected about the ine x = 0 to get the image Q. Find the
coordinates of Q.
(i) Point Q is reflected about the line y = 0 to get the image R. Find the coordinates
of R.

(ii) Name the figure POR.

(io) Find the area of the figure PQR. (2007)
25. Using graph paper, plot
a the
points A(6, 4) and B(0, 4).
(i) Reflect A and B in the origin to get images A' and B'.
(ti) Write the coordinates of A' and B'.
(ii) State the geometrical name for the figure ABA'B'.
(iv) Find its perimeter (2013)

208 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

6. Use graph paper to this question.
answer

Plot the points A(4, 6) and B(1, 2).

(i) If A' is the image of A when reflected in the x-axis, write the coordinates of A
() If B is the image of B when reflected in the line AA', write the coordinates of B.
(io) Give the geometrical name for the figure ABA'B'. (2009)
27, The points A(2, 3), B(4, 5) and C(7, 2) are the vertices of AABC.
()Wirite down the coordinates of Ay B, C, if AAB,C, is the image of AABC when
reflected in the origin.
(it)Write down the coordinates of A, B,, C, if AA,B,C, is the image of AABC when
reflected in the x-axis.
(G#) Assign the special name to the quadrilateral BCC,B, and find its area. (2006)
image of O (origin) in the
28. The point P(3, 4) is reflected to P in the x-axis and O'is the
line PP'. Find:

() the coordinates of P' and O.

(it) the length of segments PP and 00
(ii) the perimeter of the quadrilateral POP'O'.
29. Use a graph paper for this question. (Take 10 small divisions = 1 unit on both axes).

P and Q have coordinates (0, 5) and -2, 4).

() P is invariant when reflected in an axis. Name the axis.
found in (i).
i) Find the image of Q on reflection in the axis
Write the value of k.
(ii) (0, k) on reflection in the origin is invariant.
obtained by reflecting it in the origin
(iv) Write the coordinates of the image of Q,
followed by reflection in x-axis. (2005)

Multiple Choice Questions

the given four options (1 to 7):
Choose the correct answer from
x-axis is
The reflection of the point P(-2, 3) in the
(b)(2,-3) ()-2,-3) (4) (-2, 0)
(a) (2, 3)
is
2. The reflection of the point P(-2, 3) in the y-axis
(6) (2, -3) ()-2,-3) 4) (0, 3)
)(2,3) reflection in the x-ax1s is-3, 2), then the coordinates
.
If the image of the point P under
of the point P are

() (3, 2) (6) (-3, -2) (c) (3, 2) (d)-3,0)

in the line y = -1 is
reflection of the point P (1, 2)
-

The
(b) (1, - 4) (c) (1, 4) () (1, 0)
(a)(-3,-2) 2 is
in the line x =

T h e reflection of the point A(4, 1) -

(d) none of these

(a) (0, - 1)
(b) (8, - 1) (c) (0, 1)
. The reflection of the point (-3, 0) in the origin is the point
() (3, 0) (d) none of these
(a) (0, -3) (b) (0, 3)
invariant with respect to the line y = -
2?
Which of the following points is
(c) (2, 3) ) (-2, 3)
(a) (3, 2) (b) (3, 2)

Reflection 209
 Summary
O The reflection (or image) of a point P in a line AB is a point P such that AB is the
perpendicular bisector of the line segment PP'. The line AB is called axis of reflection
(or mediator).
O A point is called invariant point with respect to a given line if and only if it lies on
on
the line.
Reflection of a point in a line:
() The reflection of the point P(x, y) in the x-axis i.e. y = 0 is the point P" (x, - y).
(i) The reflection of the point P(x, y) in the y-axis i.e. x = 0 is the point P'(-x, y).
(it) The reflection of the point P(x, y) in the line y = a is the point P'(x, - y + 2a).

(io) The reflection of the point P(x, y) in the line x = a is the point P(-x + 2a, y).
OThe reflection of the point P (x, y) in the origin is the point P (-x, - y).

Chapter Test
1. The point P(4, -7) on reflection in x-axis is mapped onto P'. Then P' on reflection in
the y-axis is mapped onto P". Find the coordinates of P' and P". Write down a single
transformation that maps P onto P".
2. The point P(a, b) is first reflected in the origin and then reflected in the y-axis to P'. If
P has coordinates (3, -4), evaluate a, b.
3. A point P (4, b) becomes (-2, c) after reflection in the x-axis, and P becomes
d, 5) after reflection in the origin. Find the values of a, b, c and d.
4. A(4,-1), B(0, 7) and C(-2, 5) are the vertices of a triangle. AABC is reflected in the
y-axis and then reflected in the origin. Find the coordinates of the final images of the
vertices.

5. The points A(4, -11), B(5, 3), C(2, 15) and D(1, 1) are the vertices of a parallelogram. If
the parallelogram is reflected in the y-axis and then in the origin, find the coordinates
of the final images. Check whether it remains a parallelogram. Write down a single
transformation that brings the above change.
6. Use a graph paper for this question (take 2 cm = 1 unit on both x and y axes).
) Plot the following points:
A(0, 4), B(2, 3), C(1, 1) and D2, 0).
() Reflect points B, C, D on y-axis and write down their coordinates. Name the
images as B', C', D respectively.
(ii) Join points A, B, C, D, D', C, B' and A in order, so as to form a closed figure.
Write down the equation of line of symmetry of the figure formed. (2017)
7. The triangle OAB is reflected in the origin O to triangle OA'B. A' and have
coordinates (-3, -4) and (0, -5) respectively
() Find the coordinates of A and B.
(ii) Draw a diagram to represent the given information.
(in) What kind of figure is the quadrilateral ABA'B'?
(iv) Find the coordinates of A", the reflection of A in the origin followed by retlection
in the y-axis.
() Find the coordinates of B", the reflection of B in the x-axis followed by reflection
in the origin.

210 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X