Geometric transformations are the core of computer animation, robotics, and game development. Every time a character moves, spins, or looks in a mirror, math is calculating their new position!
Moving a shape without changing its size is called a 'Rigid Transformation'. There are three main types: Translation (sliding), Rotation (turning), and Reflection (flipping). Constructions involve drawing precise shapes using only a compass (for circles/arcs) and a straightedge (for lines).
When rotating a shape, people often forget to specify the 'Center of Rotation'. A shape rotated around its own center looks very different from a shape rotated around a distant point (like the origin 0,0)!
Select a transformation type to see how the triangle moves!
Choose a transformation to apply to the original blue triangle:
Let's test your understanding of transformations!
In video games and 3D graphics, these transformations are calculated using 'Matrices'. A Matrix is a grid of numbers that can multiply the coordinates of every point in a 3D model instantly, allowing the GPU to rotate or move millions of polygons per second!