- How far we move the shape in a horizontal direction (left or right).
- How far we move the shape in a vertical direction (up or down).
Using a Column Vector to Translate a Shape
A column vector tells us how to translate a shape. A column vector shows two numbers, one above the other. An example of a column vector is shown below:
- The top number (4) tells us how much to move the shape in the horizontal direction (right if the number is positive, left if it is negative).
- The bottom number (2) tells us how much to move the shape in the vertical direction (up if the number is positive, down if it is negative).
How to Translate a Shape
Translating a shape is easy.Question
Translate the shape below using the column vector.
Step-by-Step:
Let us start by choosing a point on the shape and translating it. We will translate point A.1
Find the top number in the column vector. In our example, the top number is 4.

2
The number found in Step 1 (4) will tell us how to move point A in the horizontal direction.
If the number is positive, the point is moved right. If the number is negative, the point is moved left. In our example, 4 is positive.
Move point A 4 units to the right.

3
Find the bottom number in the column vector. In our example, the bottom number is 2.

4
The number found in Step 3 (2) will tell us how to move the point in Step 2 in the vertical direction.
If the number is positive, the point is moved up. If the number is negative, the point is moved down. In our example, 2 is positive.
Move the point 2 units up.

Answer:

What Is a Translation?
A translation is a slide of a shape: without rotating, reflecting or resizing it. A translation is a type of transformation.Top Tip
Stick to the Point!
When a shape is translated, each point in the shape moves the same direction and distance. When describing a translation, see how a single point has been moved. Choose a point on the shape, and see how it has moved after it has been translated.
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