...on the Wall
Why do this problem?
This problem follows on from Mirror, Mirror... but it works equally well on its own. It could be used as extension work for students learning to draw reflections accurately.
Alternatively, this problem and the two related problems Mirror, Mirror... and Who Is the Fairest of Them All? could form a unit of work on combined transformations. All three problems ask students to consider the effect of combining two
transformations, and then challenge them to describe the single transformations that produce the same results.
Possible approach
These printable resources may be useful: ...on the Wall,
As an extension task, all that is needed is to provide the problem verbally or as a worksheet to pairs of students who could then make sense of it together. When they have established the combined transformation for one specific example, a teacher intervention may be appropriate, to move the focus to the general case -asking the key questions below.
Key questions
What if the flag was in a different place?
Possible support
Try Mirror, Mirror... before attempting this problem.
Ensure students use square paper and encourage them to draw their reflections accurately.
Possible extension
Ask students to summarise their findings in exactly 20 words (!) - then ask what other transformations might be combined in a similar manner.
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