Math · Stage 5

Plot and read coordinates; describe translations and reflections

Read and write a point as (x, y) — across first, then up — then move it two ways: SLIDE it (a translation) and FLIP it across a mirror line (a reflection).

✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start

I can plot and read coordinates in the first quadrant as (x, y), and describe translations (slides) and reflections in a mirror line.

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Kavi's Mirror Pond 🪞

Kavi hops onto a coordinate grid beside a still pond. "I'm standing at (2, 3) — 2 across, 3 up," hoots Kavi. "If I SLIDE 4 right and 1 up I translate to (6, 4). And look — the pond's edge is a mirror line at x = 5. My reflection stands the same distance on the other side, at (8, 3)! Let's learn to read points, slide them, and flip them across a mirror."

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What your child will learn

1Coordinates, translations and reflectionsA point on the grid is written (x, y) — x first (how far across →), then y (how far up ↑). Once a point is placed, we can move it two ways. Tap each card.

2Translate = SLIDE the pointTo translate, change the coordinates: add to x to go right (subtract to go left), and add to y to go up (subtract to go down). The point just slides — nothing flips or turns.

3Reflect = FLIP across a mirror lineA reflection flips the point across a mirror line. The image sits the same distance from the line, on the opposite side. For a mirror line x = m the y stays the same; for y = m the x stays the same.

4Is it a translation or a reflection?

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A peek inside

A counter sits 4 across and 2 up on the grid. Write its coordinates.

across first (x = 4), then up (y = 2): write (x, y)

Try this at home: A point is 6 across and 1 up. Write it as (x, y).

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

Start the free lesson →⬇ Download PDF

Part of Math · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.