Translations

In math, a translation is a slide. A shape moves from one place to another. It does not turn or flip or change size. Every point on the shape moves the same distance in the same direction. It is like sliding a book across a table.

How Translations Work

To translate a shape, you move it left, right, up, or down. You can also move it in both directions at once. The new shape looks exactly like the old one. It is just in a different spot. Translations are written using arrows or numbers to show how far the shape moved.

Translations Around Us

You can see translations in many places. A chess piece moving across a board is a translation. Sliding a window open is a translation. When you move your backpack from one chair to another, you are translating it. In video games, characters often slide across the screen. Translations keep things the same while changing their location.

Fun Facts

• Translations are also called slides in math class.
• A shape can be translated in any direction.
• Translation is one of the three main math transformations along with rotations and reflections.

Did You Know?

The word translation has two meanings. In math, it means sliding a shape. In language, it means changing words from one language to another.