Year 4 - Maths
Describe translations of polygons drawn on a square grid
Coordinates
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will give directions from one position to another on a grid and move objects including polygons on a grid according to directions, and mark the new position. They will describe and draw polygons specified by translations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe translations of polygons drawn on a square grid.
Key Notes
- If a shape has moved you say it has been translated.
- If a shape has moved, you can describe the move using left, right, up, down and the number of squares moved.
- A shape can be translated in a vertical and horizontal direction.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Translated / translating: Translation is a transformation in which every point of a shape moves the same distance in the same direction. The act of moving is to translate.
- Translation: Translation is a transformation in which every point of a shape moves the same distance in the same direction.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils might miscount the number of squares moved horizontally or vertically, resulting in an inaccurate translation.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
If a shape has moved you say it has been translated. If a shape has moved, you can describe the move using left, right, up, down and the number of squares moved.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Translated / translating'
Translation is a transformation in which every point of a shape moves the same distance in the same direction. The act of moving is to translate. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils might miscount the number of squares moved horizontally or vertically, resulting in an inaccurate translation. Correction: Encourage pupils to count the number of squares carefully from the original position, possibly using a ruler or finger to help guide their counting. Practice with simpler shapes before moving to more complex polygons.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Complete polygons with missing coordinates Study Guide
- Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant Study Guide
- Draw polygons specified by translations Study Guide
- Give directions from one position to another on a grid Study Guide
- Mark the position of points specified by coordinates in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid Study Guide
- Move objects including polygons on a grid according to directions and mark the new position Study Guide
- Solve problems involving marking and translating points in the first quadrant on a coordinate grid Study Guide
- Translate polygons in the first quadrant Study Guide
- Write coordinates for already marked points in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid Study Guide
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