Transformation using Reflections

Yonathan Hadis

Introduction
Reflection is a transformation that flips a figure over a given line, creating a
mirror image.

Reflections of a Point
Reflection Across the x-Axis
Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across the x-axis, the image is:

(x, y) → (x, −y)

Reflection Across the y-Axis

Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across the y-axis, the image is:

(x, y) → (−x, y)

Reflection Across the Line y = x

Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across the line y = x, the image is:

(x, y) → (y, x)

1
Reflection Across the Line y = -x

Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across the line y = -x, the image is:

(x, y) → (−y, −x)

Reflection Across x = c
Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across x = c, the image is:

(x, y) → (2c − x, y)

Reflection Across y = c

Formula: If (x, y) is reflected across y = c, the image is:

(x, y) → (x, 2c − y)

Reflection by x = c
Definition:
Reflection over the vertical line x = c involves flipping a point, line, or circle
across the line x = c. The x-coordinate of the reflected object is transformed,
while the y-coordinate remains the same.

General Formula:
• Point Reflection: If P (x, y) is reflected over x = c, the reflected point
P ′ (x′ , y ′ ) is:
x′ = 2c − x, y ′ = y

• Line Reflection: For a line ax + by + c = 0, substitute x = 2c − x

into the equation to find the reflected line.

2
 • Circle Reflection: For a circle (x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 , the reflected
circle is:
(x′ − (2c − h))2 + (y ′ − k)2 = r2

Reflection by y = c
Definition:
Reflection over the horizontal line y = c involves flipping a point, line, or
circle across the line y = c. The y-coordinate of the reflected object is
transformed, while the x-coordinate remains the same.

General Formula:
• Point Reflection: If P (x, y) is reflected over y = c, the reflected point
P ′ (x′ , y ′ ) is:
x′ = x, y ′ = 2c − y

• Line Reflection: For a line ax + by + c = 0, substitute y = 2c − y

into the equation to find the reflected line.

• Circle Reflection: For a circle (x − h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 , the reflected

circle is:
(x′ − h)2 + (y ′ − (2c − k))2 = r2

1 Reflection of a Point
1.1 Definition
The reflection of a point over a given line is the transformation that pro-
duces a mirror image of the point with respect to the line, preserving the
perpendicular distance.

1.2 Reflection Over y = mx

Let P(x1 , y1 )beapointintheCartesianplane.T heref lectionof P overtheliney =
mxisgivenby :

3
 (1 − m2 )x1 + 2my1 (1 − m2 )y1 + 2mx1
 
′ ′ ′
P (x , y ) = ,
1 + m2 1 + m2

1.3 Reflection Over y = mx + b

The reflection of P(x1 , y1 )overtheliney = mx + bisgivenby :

 
′ ′ ′ 2m(mx1 − y1 + b) 2(mx1 − y1 + b)
P (x , y ) = x1 − , y1 +
1 + m2 1 + m2

2 Reflection of a Line
2.1 Definition
The reflection of a line over another line results in a new line that is the
mirror image of the original, maintaining angles and distances.I

2.2 General Formula

Given a line equation Ax + By + C = 0, its reflection over y = mx + b
follows:

A′ x + B ′ y + C ′ = 0

where A’, B’, C’ are transformed coefficients obtained by reflecting two

points on the line and determining the new equation.

4
3 Reflection of a Circle
3.1 Definition
The reflection of a circle over a line produces a new circle that mirrors the
original, maintaining radius and relative positioning.

3.2 General Formula

For a circle (x - h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 centeredat(h, k), itsref lectionovery =
mx + bisf oundbyref lecting(h, k)using :

2m(mh − k + b) 2(mh − k + b)
h′ = h − , k′ = k +
1 + m2 1 + m2

and The equation of the reflected circle is:

(x − h′ )2 + (y − k ′ )2 = r2

Reflection by y = mx
Definition:
Reflection over the line y = mx involves flipping a point, line, or circle across
the line y = mx. The transformation depends on the slope m.

General Formula:
• Point Reflection: If P (x, y) is reflected over y = mx, the reflected
point P ′ (x′ , y ′ ) is:

(1 − m2 )x + 2my 2mx + (m2 − 1)y

x′ = , y′ =
1 + m2 1 + m2

• Line Reflection: Substitute the reflected coordinates into the equa-

tion of the line.

5
 • Circle Reflection: Apply the reflection formula to the center of the
circle.

Reflection by y = mx + b
Definition:
Reflection over the line y = mx + b involves flipping a point, line, or circle
across the line y = mx + b. The transformation depends on both the slope
m and the intercept b.

General Formula:
• Point Reflection: If P (x, y) is reflected over y = mx + b, the reflected
point P ′ (x′ , y ′ ) is:

(1 − m2 )x + 2m(y − b) 2mx + (m2 − 1)(y − b)

x′ = , y′ = +b
1 + m2 1 + m2

• Line Reflection: Substitute the reflected coordinates into the equa-

tion of the line.

• Circle Reflection: Apply the reflection formula to the center of the

circle.

Reflection of a Line by a Line

Definition:
Reflection of a line over another line involves flipping the given line across
the reflecting line. The resulting line is symmetric to the original line with
respect to the reflecting line.

General Formula:
• Use the reflection formulas for points to reflect two points on the orig-
inal line, then find the equation of the reflected line.

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Reflection of a Circle by a Line
Definition:
Reflection of a circle over a line involves flipping the circle across the line.
The center of the reflected circle is the reflection of the original center, and
the radius remains the same.

General Formula:
• Reflect the center of the circle using the appropriate reflection formula,
then write the equation of the reflected circle.

x you

7
Worksheet: Reflection Problems
Reflection of a Point
Across the x-axis:
1. Reflect (3,5) over the x-axis.

2. Reflect (-4,-7) over the x-axis.

3. Reflect (2,-6) over the x-axis.

4. Reflect (5,9) over the x-axis.

5. Reflect (1,3) over the x-axis.

6. Reflect (-2,4) over the x-axis.

7. Reflect (-1,-1) over the x-axis.

8. Reflect (6,-2) over the x-axis.

9. Reflect (-5,7) over the x-axis.

10. Reflect (0,0) over the x-axis.

Across the y-axis:
1. Reflect (3,5) over the y-axis.

2. Reflect (-4,-7) over the y-axis.

3. Reflect (2,-6) over the y-axis.

4. Reflect (5,9) over the y-axis.

5. Reflect (1,3) over the y-axis.

6. Reflect (-2,4) over the y-axis.

7. Reflect (-1,-1) over the y-axis.

8. Reflect (6,-2) over the y-axis.

9. Reflect (-5,7) over the y-axis.

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10. Reflect (0,0) over the y-axis.

Across y = x:

1. Reflect (3,5) over y = x.

2. Reflect (-4,-7) over y = x.

3. Reflect (2,-6) over y = x.

4. Reflect (5,9) over y = x.

5. Reflect (1,3) over y = x.

6. Reflect (-2,4) over y = x.

7. Reflect (-1,-1) over y = x.

8. Reflect (6,-2) over y = x.

Across y = -x:

1. Reflect (3,5) over y = -x.

2. Reflect (-4,-7) over y = -x.

3. Reflect (2,-6) over y = -x.

4. Reflect (5,9) over y = -x.

5. Reflect (1,3) over y = -x.

6. Reflect (-2,4) over y = -x.

7. Reflect (-1,-1) over y = -x.

8. Reflect (6,-2) over y = -x.

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Reflection of a Line
1. Reflect the line y = 2x + 3 over the y-axis.

2. Reflect the line y = -x + 4 over the x-axis.

3. Reflect the line y = 3x - 2 over y = x.

4. Reflect the line y = -5x + 7 over the y-axis.

5. Reflect the line y = 4x - 1 over y = -x.

6. Reflect the line y = -x + 6 over the x-axis.

7. Reflect the line y = 2x - 5 over y = x.

8. Reflect the line y = -3x + 8 over y = -x.

9. Reflect the line y = x - 4 over y = x.

10. Reflect the line y = -2x + 3 over the x-axis.

Reflection by x = c
11. Reflect the point (3, 5) over the line x = 2.

12. Reflect the point (−1, 4) over the line x = 1.

13. Reflect the line y = 2x + 3 over the line x = 0.

14. Reflect the line 3x − 4y + 5 = 0 over the line x = −2.

15. Reflect the circle (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9 over the line x = 3.

16. Reflect the point (7, −2) over the line x = 4.

17. Reflect the line y = −x + 6 over the line x = 1.

18. Reflect the circle (x + 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16 over the line x = −1.

19. Reflect the point (0, 0) over the line x = 5.

20. Reflect the line 2x + 3y − 6 = 0 over the line x = 2.

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21. Reflect the circle (x − 4)2 + (y + 1)2 = 25 over the line x = 6.

22. Reflect the point (−3, 7) over the line x = −4.

23. Reflect the line y = 4x − 2 over the line x = 3.

24. Reflect the circle (x + 5)2 + (y − 2)2 = 36 over the line x = −3.

25. Reflect the point (6, −5) over the line x = 0.

Reflection by y = c
26. Reflect the point (2, 3) over the line y = 1.

27. Reflect the point (−4, 5) over the line y = 2.

28. Reflect the line y = 3x − 4 over the line y = 0.

29. Reflect the line 2x + 5y − 10 = 0 over the line y = −1.

30. Reflect the circle (x − 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16 over the line y = 4.

31. Reflect the point (6, −2) over the line y = 3.

32. Reflect the line y = −2x + 5 over the line y = 1.

33. Reflect the circle (x + 3)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9 over the line y = −2.

34. Reflect the point (0, 0) over the line y = 5.

35. Reflect the line 4x − 3y + 6 = 0 over the line y = 2.

36. Reflect the circle (x − 1)2 + (y + 4)2 = 25 over the line y = 3.

37. Reflect the point (−5, 7) over the line y = −1.

38. Reflect the line y = 5x − 3 over the line y = 2.

39. Reflect the circle (x + 4)2 + (y − 1)2 = 36 over the line y = −3.

40. Reflect the point (3, −6) over the line y = 0.

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 Reflection by y = mx
41. Reflect the point (2, 3) over the line y = x.

42. Reflect the point (−1, 4) over the line y = 2x.

43. Reflect the line y = 3x − 2 over the line y = x.

44. Reflect the line 2x + 3y − 6 = 0 over the line y = −x.

45. Reflect the circle (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9 over the line y = x.

46. Reflect the point (5, −2) over the line y = 3x.

47. Reflect the line y = −x + 4 over the line y = 2x.

48. Reflect the circle (x + 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16 over the line y = −x.

49. Reflect the point (0, 0) over the line y = x.

50. Reflect the line 4x − 3y + 5 = 0 over the line y = x.

51. Reflect the circle (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 25 over the line y = 2x.

52. Reflect the point (−3, 5) over the line y = −x.

53. Reflect the line y = 4x − 1 over the line y = x.

54. Reflect the circle (x + 4)2 + (y − 2)2 = 36 over the line y = −x.

55. Reflect the point (6, −5) over the line y = x.

Reflection by y = mx + b
56. Reflect the point (2, 3) over the line y = x + 1.

57. Reflect the point (−1, 4) over the line y = 2x − 3.

58. Reflect the line y = 3x − 2 over the line y = x + 2.

59. Reflect the line 2x + 3y − 6 = 0 over the line y = −x + 1.

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60. Reflect the circle (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9 over the line y = x − 1.

61. Reflect the point (5, −2) over the line y = 3x + 2.

62. Reflect the line y = −x + 4 over the line y = 2x − 1.

63. Reflect the circle (x + 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16 over the line y = −x + 3.

64. Reflect the point (0, 0) over the line y = x + 4.

65. Reflect the line 4x − 3y + 5 = 0 over the line y = x − 2.

66. Reflect the circle (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 25 over the line y = 2x + 1.

67. Reflect the point (−3, 5) over the line y = −x + 2.

68. Reflect the line y = 4x − 1 over the line y = x + 3.

69. Reflect the circle (x + 4)2 + (y − 2)2 = 36 over the line y = −x + 4.

70. Reflect the point (6, −5) over the line y = x − 5.

Reflection of a Line by a Line

71. Reflect the line y = 2x + 3 over the line y = x.

72. Reflect the line 3x − 4y + 5 = 0 over the line y = −x.

73. Reflect the line y = −x + 6 over the line y = 2x.

74. Reflect the line 2x + 3y − 6 = 0 over the line y = x + 1.

75. Reflect the line y = 4x − 2 over the line y = −x + 3.

76. Reflect the line y = 5x − 3 over the line y = 2x + 1.

77. Reflect the line y = −2x + 5 over the line y = x − 2.

78. Reflect the line 4x − 3y + 6 = 0 over the line y = −x + 4.

79. Reflect the line y = 3x − 1 over the line y = x + 5.

80. Reflect the line y = −4x + 2 over the line y = 2x − 3.

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 Reflection of a Circle by a Line
81. Reflect the circle (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 9 over the line y = x.

82. Reflect the circle (x + 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 16 over the line y = −x.

83. Reflect the circle (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 25 over the line y = 2x.

84. Reflect the circle (x + 4)2 + (y − 2)2 = 36 over the line y = x + 1.

85. Reflect the circle (x − 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 49 over the line y = −x + 2.

86. Reflect the circle (x + 5)2 + (y − 1)2 = 64 over the line y = 3x.

87. Reflect the circle (x − 4)2 + (y + 2)2 = 81 over the line y = x − 3.

88. Reflect the circle (x + 3)2 + (y − 4)2 = 100 over the line y = −x + 5.

89. Reflect the circle (x − 5)2 + (y + 6)2 = 121 over the line y = 2x + 1.

90. Reflect the circle (x + 6)2 + (y − 5)2 = 144 over the line y = x + 4.

91. Reflect the circle (x − 7)2 + (y + 8)2 = 169 over the line y = −x + 6.

92. Reflect the circle (x + 8)2 + (y − 7)2 = 196 over the line y = 3x + 2.

93. Reflect the circle (x − 9)2 + (y + 9)2 = 225 over the line y = x − 5.

94. Reflect the circle (x + 10)2 + (y − 10)2 = 256 over the line y = −x + 7.

95. Reflect the circle (x − 11)2 + (y + 11)2 = 289 over the line y = 2x + 3.

4 Finding the Axis of Reflection

4.1 Definition
The axis of reflection is the line over which a shape, point, or figure
is reflected to produce its mirror image. Given a geometric object and
its reflected image, the axis of reflection can be determined mathemat-
ically.

14
 4.2 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Point
and Its Image
let a point P(x1 , y1 )beref lectedtoP ′ (x2 , y2 ).T heequationof theaxisof ref lection(midlinebetwe

where m is the slope of the reflection axis.

4.3 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Line and

Its Image
Given a line equation Ax + By + C = 0 and its reflected image A’x + B’y
+ C’ = 0, the axis of reflection is the perpendicular bisector of any two
corresponding points (x1 , y1 )and(x2 , y2 )ontheoriginalandref lectedlines.

Axis Equation: y − ym = m(x − xm )

where (xm , ym )isthemidpointof anycorrespondingpointsandmisperpendiculartotheslopeof theo

4.4 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Circle and

Its Image
Given a circle (x - h)2 + (y − k)2 = r2 anditsref lectedimage(x − h′ )2 + (y −
k ′ )2 = r2 , theaxisof ref lectionistheperpendicularbisectorof thecenterpoints(h, k)and(h′ , k ′ ) :

k + k′ h + h′
y− = m(x − )
2 2

where m is the perpendicular slope.

5 Practice Questions
or

5.1 Finding the Axis of Reflection

of my

15
 1. Find the equation of the axis of reflection for the points A(3,5) and
A’(-1,7).

2. Given B(2,-4) and its reflection B’(-6,8), determine the equation of the
reflection line.

3. The line 2x - 5y + 7 = 0 is reflected to -2x + 5y - 3 = 0. Find the

reflection line.

4. The circle (x-4)2 + (y − 6)2 = 9isref lectedto(x + 2)2 + (y + 8)2 =

9.F indtheaxisof ref lection.
ApointC(−3, 7)isref lectedoveralinetogetC ′ (5, −1).Determinetheequationof theref lectionax

5. The line y = -2x + 1 is mapped to y = 2x - 7 by reflection. Find the equation

of the axis of reflection.

6. A circle centered at (5, -2) is reflected to a circle centered at (-1, 4). Find
the axis of reflection.

7. The line x - 2y + 6 = 0 is reflected to -x + 2y - 4 = 0. Find the axis of

reflection.
8. A point D(-5,3) is reflected to D’(7,-3). Find the equation of the axis of
reflection.

9. The line 4x + 3y - 8 = 0 is reflected to -4x - 3y + 10 = 0. Find the axis of

reflection.

10. A circle centered at (-6,7) is reflected to a circle centered at (2,-5). Find the
axis of reflection.

11. The point E(-7,-1) is reflected to E’(9,5). Find the reflection axis.

12. A line y = x + 3 is reflected to y = -x - 1. Find the reflection line.

16
13. A circle with equation (x+3)2 +(y −4)2 = 16isref lectedto(x−5)2 +(y +2)2 =
16.F indtheref lectionaxis.
GivenF (8, −6)andF ′ (−4, 2), determinetheequationof theaxisof ref lection.
14. A line 5x - 2y + 9 = 0 is reflected to -5x + 2y - 1 = 0. Find the equation of
the reflection line.

15. A circle centered at (7,-3) is mapped to a circle centered at (-1,9). Find the
axis of reflection.

16. The point G(2, -5) is reflected to G’(-6,3). Find the equation of the axis of
reflection.

17. The line x + y - 4 = 0 is mapped to -x - y + 6 = 0. Find the equation of

the reflection axis.
Angle (degrees) sin(θ) cos(θ) tan(θ)
0 0 √
1 0
1 3 √1
30 2 2 3
√ √
2 2
45 1
√2
3
2
1
√
60 2 2
3
90 1 0 undefined
√
3
√
120 √2
−√12 − 3
2
135 2
− √22 -1
150 1
2
− 23 − √13
180 0 -1√ 0
210 − 12 − 23 √1
3
√ √
225 − √22 − 22 1
3 1
√
240 −2 −2 3
270 -1√ 0 undefined
3 1
√
300 − √2 √2
− 3
2 2
315 −2 √2
-1
1 3
330 −2 2
− √13
360 0 1 0
[12pt]article amsmath, amssymb, geometry, array, xcolor, colortbl a4paper,
margin=1in
Special Angles from 0◦ to 360◦

blue!20 Degrees Radians sin(θ) cos(θ) tan(θ) Color

red!20 0◦ 0 0 1
√
0 Red
◦ π 1 3 √1
green!20 30 6 2
Green
√ √2 3
yellow!20 45◦ π 2 2
1 Yellow
4 √2 2 √
orange!20 60◦ π
3 2
3 1
2
3 Orange
purple!20 90◦ π
1 0 Undefined Purple
2 √ √
pink!20 120◦ 2π
3 √2
3
−√12 − 3 Pink
red!20 135◦ 3π
4 2
2
− √22 −1 Red
green!20 150◦ 5π
6
1
2
− 23 − 3
√ 1
Green
yellow!20 180◦ π 0 −1√
0 Yellow
orange!20 210◦ 7π
6
− 12 − 23 √1
3
Orange
√ √
purple!20 225◦ 5π
− √22 − 22 1 Purple
4 √
pink!20 240◦ 4π
3
− 23 − 12 3 Pink
red!20 270◦ 3π
−1 0 Undefined Red
2 √ √
green!20 300◦ 5π
3
− √23 1
√2
− 3 Green
yellow!20 315◦ 7π
4
− 22 √2
2
−1 Yellow
orange!20 330◦ 11π
6
− 12 2
3 1
− √3 Orange
purple!20 360◦ 2π 0 1 0 Purple

Table 1: Special Angles and Their Trigonometric Values

Rotation in Geometry: Definitions, Notes, and Formulas Yonathan Hadis

March 24, 2025

Contents
1 Reflection of a Point 3
1.1 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Reflection Over y = mx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Reflection Over y = mx + b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 Reflection of a Line 4
2.1 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 General Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Reflection of a Circle 5
3.1 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 General Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4 Finding the Axis of Reflection 14

4.1 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Point and Its Image . . 15
4.3 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Line and Its Image . . 15
4.4 Finding the Axis of Reflection Given a Circle and Its Image . 15

5 Practice Questions 15
5.1 Finding the Axis of Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

6 Introduction to Rotation 21
6.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2 Properties of Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7 Rotation About the Origin 21

7.1 Rotation Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.2 Matrix Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
7.3 Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

8 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point (a, b) 22

8.1 Steps for Rotation About (a, b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.2 Rotation Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.3 Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

9 Worksheet Problems 23
9.1 Rotation About the Origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.2 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10 Applications of Rotation 23
10.1 Real-World Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10.2 Geometric Proofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

11 Advanced Topics 23
11.1 Rotation in 3D Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
11.2 Quaternion Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

12 Conclusion 24

13 Worksheet Solutions 24
13.1 Rotation About the Origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
13.2 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6 Introduction to Rotation
Rotation is a transformation that turns a figure around a fixed point called
the center of rotation. The amount of rotation is measured in degrees or
radians.

6.1 Definitions
• Rotation: A transformation that turns a figure around a fixed
point.
• Center of Rotation: The fixed point around which a figure is
rotated.
• Angle of Rotation: The measure of the amount of rotation, usu-
ally in degrees or radians.
• Clockwise Rotation: Rotation in the direction of the clock’s
hands (negative angle).
• Counterclockwise Rotation: Rotation in the opposite direction
of the clock’s hands (positive angle).

6.2 Properties of Rotation

• Rotations preserve the size and shape of the figure.
• Rotations preserve distances and angles.
• The orientation of the figure changes after rotation.

7 Rotation About the Origin

When the center of rotation is the origin (0, 0), the rotation of a point (x, y)
by an angle θ can be calculated using the rotation matrix.

7.1 Rotation Formulas

The new coordinates (x′ , y ′ ) after rotating a point (x, y) by an angle θ about
the origin are:
x′ = x cos θ − y sin θ
y ′ = x sin θ + y cos θ
7.2 Matrix Representation
The rotation can also be represented using a rotation matrix:
 ′   
x cos θ − sin θ x
=
y′ sin θ cos θ y

7.3 Example
Rotate the point (2, 3) by 90◦ counterclockwise about the origin.

8 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point (a, b)

When the center of rotation is not the origin but a point (a, b), the rotation
involves translating the point to the origin, rotating, and then translating
back.

8.1 Steps for Rotation About (a, b)

(a) Translate the point (x, y) by (−a, −b) to move the center of rotation
to the origin.
(b) Apply the rotation matrix to the translated point.
(c) Translate the point back by (a, b).

8.2 Rotation Formulas

The new coordinates (x′ , y ′ ) after rotating a point (x, y) by an angle θ about
(a, b) are:
x′ = a + (x − a) cos θ − (y − b) sin θ
y ′ = b + (x − a) sin θ + (y − b) cos θ

8.3 Example
Rotate the point (4, 5) by 45◦ clockwise about the point (1, 2).
9 Worksheet Problems
9.1 Rotation About the Origin
(a) Rotate the point (3, 4) by 60◦ counterclockwise about the origin.
(b) Find the new coordinates of the point (−2, 7) after a 180◦ rotation
about the origin.
(c) Rotate the point (5, −1) by 270◦ clockwise about the origin.

9.2 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point

(a) Rotate the point (6, 8) by 90◦ counterclockwise about the point
(2, 3).
(b) Find the new coordinates of the point (0, 5) after a 120◦ rotation
about the point (1, 1).
(c) Rotate the point (−3, −4) by 45◦ clockwise about the point (−1, −2).

10 Applications of Rotation
10.1 Real-World Examples
• Rotation of wheels in vehicles.
• Rotation of gears in machinery.
• Rotation of celestial bodies in astronomy.

10.2 Geometric Proofs

Prove that the composition of two rotations about the same center is equiv-
alent to a single rotation whose angle is the sum of the two angles.

11 Advanced Topics
11.1 Rotation in 3D Space
Rotation in three-dimensional space involves rotating about an axis. The
rotation matrix for 3D rotation is more complex and depends on the axis of
rotation.

11.2 Quaternion Rotation

Quaternions are used to represent rotations in 3D space, especially in com-
puter graphics and robotics.

12 Conclusion
Rotation is a fundamental transformation in geometry with wide-ranging
applications in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer graphics.
Understanding the formulas and properties of rotation is essential for solving
geometric problems.

13 Worksheet Solutions
13.1 Rotation About the Origin
(a) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (3 cos 60◦ − 4 sin 60◦ , 3 sin 60◦ + 4 cos 60◦ ).
(b) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (2, −7).
(c) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (−1, −5).

13.2 Rotation About an Arbitrary Point

(a) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (2 + (6 − 2) cos 90◦ − (8 − 3) sin 90◦ , 3 + (6 −
2) sin 90◦ + (8 − 3) cos 90◦ ).
(b) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (1 + (0 − 1) cos 120◦ − (5 − 1) sin 120◦ , 1 + (0 −
1) sin 120◦ + (5 − 1) cos 120◦ ).
(c) Solution: (x′ , y ′ ) = (−1 + (−3 + 1) cos 45◦ − (−4 + 2) sin 45◦ , −2 +
(−3 + 1) sin 45◦ + (−4 + 2) cos 45◦ ).