Glide Reflections

Glide reflections are a type of geometric transformation that combines translation with reflection to create symmetrical patterns. This process involves reflecting a figure over a line parallel to the translation vector, then translating it. The sequence is crucial, as the non-commutative property means reversing the order alters the outcome. Practical examples, like reflecting and translating a triangle, illustrate the concept's application in geometry.

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Exploring the Concept of Glide Reflections

Glide reflections are composite geometric transformations that consist of a translation followed by a reflection across a line parallel to the translation vector. This operation takes a point P to a new point P', creating a pattern with a symmetry that combines movement and mirroring. To execute a glide reflection, one must determine the vector that defines the translation and identify the line of reflection. This transformation is prevalent in various natural and artistic patterns, such as the alternating arrangement of footprints along a path, showcasing the intertwined symmetry and reflective properties of glide reflections.
Footprints with a parallel line in sand stretch from bottom left to upper right under a gradient blue sky, suggesting a beach walk at dawn or dusk.

The Non-Commutative Property of Glide Reflections

Contrary to the initial summary, the operations in a glide reflection are not commutative. The outcome of a glide reflection is dependent on the order of the translation and reflection. Specifically, the reflection must be performed over a line parallel to the translation vector, and the translation must follow the reflection. This non-commutative nature is crucial to maintaining the congruence and symmetry of the figure, as reversing the order would result in a different final image.

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1

Glide Reflection Components

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Translation followed by reflection parallel to translation vector.

2

Glide Reflection Execution

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Determine translation vector and identify reflection line.

3

Glide Reflection Symmetry

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Combines movement and mirroring to create symmetrical patterns.

4

In a glide reflection, the ______ must be done over a line parallel to the ______ vector.

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reflection translation

5

Components of a glide reflection

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Combination of a translation and a reflection.

6

Translation in glide reflection

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Shifts figure by fixed distance in a specific direction.

7

Reflection in glide reflection

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Flips figure over a line, altering coordinates of points.

8

In a glide reflection, the geometric figure is first ______ over a specific line, altering each point's coordinates.

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reflected

9

After reflection, the figure undergoes a ______ by applying the translation vector to each point's coordinates.

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translation

10

Glide Reflection Components

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Involves two steps: reflection over a line and translation along a vector.

11

Effect of Reflection on Coordinates

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Reflecting over x-axis inverts y-coordinates; over y-axis inverts x-coordinates.

12

Translation Vector Role

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Determines direction and distance of the slide after reflection.

13

A ______ ______ creates a congruent and symmetrical image by reflecting and then translating the original figure.

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glide reflection

14

In a glide reflection, the reflection occurs before the ______, and the reflection line must be ______ to the translation vector.

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translation parallel

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