Before we can make our own frieze patterns like the ones we see in architecture, we need to take a moment to review the transformations that allow us to make these repeating patterns. These vital transformations are translations, rotations, and reflections. Take a moment to work through each of the following tabs to review the transformations.
Translation
Rotation
Reflection
A translation moves a shape without reflecting or rotating the shape. The shape looks exactly the same but is in a different spot. Translations are sometimes called slides. What is true about every point on the original figure and the translated figure?
Every point on the original figure moved the same distance and in the same direction, producing the translated figure.
A rotation is a transformation that turns a figure about a fixed point. Rotations are sometimes called turns. Do you remember what the fixed point is called?
The fixed point that is used in a rotation is called the center of rotation. In this case, the center of rotation is the origin (0,0).
A reflection is a transformation where each point in a shape is the same distance on the opposite side of a given line. When it comes to frieze patterns this, line can be horizontal or vertical. Reflections are sometimes called flips. Can you remember what the line in a reflection is called?
The line is called the line of reflection.
