Reflections

In math, a reflection is like looking in a mirror. A shape gets flipped over a line to make a copy. The new shape faces the other way. Both shapes are the same size. They are just mirror images of each other.

How Reflections Work

The line that a shape flips across is called the line of reflection. If you fold the paper along that line, the two shapes would match up. The new shape is the same size as the old one. It is just facing the other way. Every point on the shape is the same distance from the line as its mirror point.

Reflections Everywhere

You can see reflections in real life every day. A still lake shows a mirror image of trees and sky. Letters like H and A look the same when reflected. Butterfly wings are reflections of each other. Artists and designers use reflections to make patterns look balanced.

Fun Facts

• The letter M looks the same in a mirror reflection.
• Reflections are one of four kinds of math transformations.
• Your face has nearly perfect reflection symmetry.

Did You Know?

When you look in a mirror, your left hand appears to be on the right side. This is how reflections work.