• Home
  • GCSE Topic Tests
  • GCSE Quick Maths Tests
  • Past Papers
  • Join our Newsletter
  • Blog

3 Minute Maths

GCSE maths walkthrough videos and worksheets

  • Maths and English Tutoring
  • Useful maths resources
  • THE ULTIMATE MATHS SURVIVAL GUIDE
  • Visit our Amazon store

How to reflect shapes on a mirror line

June 29, 2015 by Simon 4 Comments

How to reflect shapes on a mirror line

or x axis, y axis, co-ordinate grid, graph or even cartesian plane – it’s all pretty much the same.

The biggest problem isn’t really the reflection.. it’s more making sure that you’ve correctly identified the ‘mirror line.’ This can cause a few problems and a little confusion. The easiest way is to actually plot a couple of points on the graph.

How to reflect shapes in a mirror lineAs an example you might be asked to reflect in the line x = 1. In this case find a few co-ordinates that have x equal to 1:

(1, 3)

(1, 5)

(1, -4)

All show the x value at one. Once you’ve plotted them, join up and you’ll get the x = 1 line.

 

 

The same is true of y = 4

(1, 4)

(5, 4)

(-2, 4)

.. or y = x

(2, 2)

(4, 4)

(-5, -5)

Just plotting a few of these co-ordinates will make sure that you always reflect in the correct mirror line.

The only other issue is to make sure that your reflection is at 90 degrees to the line, and it’s the same distance both sides. Other than that, you’re good to go.

Here’s some videos to help:

How to reflect a shape on the x axis

How to reflect a shape in the y axis

How to reflect a shape in the xy axis

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. puzzles says

    December 6, 2015 at 11:02 am

    nice and informative post.

    Reply
    • Simon says

      December 8, 2015 at 6:46 am

      Glad to help 🙂

      Reply
  2. Simon Deacon says

    June 29, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Reply
  3. Simon Deacon says

    June 29, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Anti spam - please answer to leave a comment. Thank you. * Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Search for ANY GCSE maths topic

… or search by grade

A level blog Edexcel foundation Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8/9 higher Indices maths resources Quick Tests Reasoning Surds

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT