Geometry
Confusing a Reflection with a Rotation
Students rotate a figure around a point when the problem asks them to flip it across a line.
Quick check
Why students make it
A turned shape and a flipped shape can both look like the same figure in a new place. Students focus on the new position instead of checking whether there is a mirror line or a center of rotation.
The rule done right
A reflection flips every point across a line, so each point and its image are the same perpendicular distance from the mirror line. A rotation turns every point around a center by the same angle.
Related resources
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Geometry, Reflections on the Plane Infographic -
Geometry, Rotations on the Plane Infographic -
Geometric Transformations Infographic -
Transformations on the Coordinate Plane Infographic -
Symmetry - Line, Rotational, and Point Infographic - Symmetry & Tessellations Cheat Sheet
- Angles & Angle Relationships Cheat Sheet
- Constructions with Compass & Straightedge Cheat Sheet
- Geometric Proofs & Two-Column Form Cheat Sheet
- Geometry, Coordinate Geometry Worksheet
- Coordinate Geometry, Distance and Midpoint Worksheet
- Geometry, Triangles Worksheet
- Angle Relationships, Complementary and Supplementary Worksheet
- Coordinate Geometry Calculator Tool
- Geometry Proof Helper Tool
- Angle Relationships Explorer Tool
- Congruence & Transformations Lab Lab
- Symmetry & Pattern Blocks Lab Lab
- Geometric Constructions Lab Lab
- Matrix, Vector & Transformations Lab Lab