Step by step
The question
Question: reflect the shape A(1, 1), B(4, 1) and C(1, 3) in the x-axis.
1 Draw the shape
Put the points on the grid and join them.
2 Draw the mirror line
The mirror line is the x-axis.
Reflecting flips the shape over the line, like a mirror.
Each point lands just as far away, on the other side.
3 Reflect each point
From A, count straight to the mirror line: 1.
Then count 1 more on the other side.
We call the new point A prime.
The little mark means: the new A.
A is 1 above the x-axis.
Its image is 1 below it.
Its x stays 1.
So A' is (1, −1).
Careful!
The x-axis is flat.
The flip goes up or down, so y changes.
x stays.
B is 1 above it, so B' is 1 below: (4, −1).
C is 3 above it, so C' is 3 below: (1, −3).
4 Draw the image
Join the new points.
This new shape is called the image.
So the image is A'(1, −1), B'(4, −1) and C'(1, −3).
5 Check
Let's check with the rule for the x-axis: x stays the same, y changes sign.
It gives the same points.
Right!
Let's look back.
First: draw the shape.
Then: draw the mirror line.
Then: reflect each point.
Then: draw the image.
Last: check.