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      Investigating transformations with Desmos

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can investigate transformations using dynamic software

      Key learning points

      1. Dynamic software is a tool that can be used to explore transformations.
      2. There are many benefits to using this tool.
      3. Different transformations can be carried out quickly.

      Keywords

      • Object - The object is the starting figure, before a transformation has been applied.

      • Image - The image is the resulting figure, after a transformation has been applied.

      • Vector - A vector can be used to describe a translation.

      • Polygon - A polygon is a flat (2D), closed figure made up of straight line segments.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle with only being able to rotate anticlockwise on Desmos.

      Turning clockwise x degrees is equivalent to turning anticlockwise (360 - x) degrees.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils will need access to a web browser during the tasks and paper to record their responses to the questions. Print the tasks or leave them displayed on the screen while pupils work individually on their devices.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The __________ is the __________ figure, before a transformation has been applied.

      image
      Correct answer: object
      Correct answer: starting
      resulting

      Q2.
      The __________ is the __________ figure, after a transformation has been applied.

      Correct answer: image
      object
      starting
      Correct answer: resulting

      Q3.
      $$\begin{pmatrix} -4 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}$$ What does the -4 mean?

      Correct answer: translation of 4 units left
      translation of 4 units right
      translation of 4 units up
      translation of 4 units down

      Q4.
      $$\begin{pmatrix} -4 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}$$ What does the 2 mean?

      translation of 2 units left
      translation of 2 units right
      Correct answer: translation of 2 units up
      translation of 2 units down

      Q5.
      $$\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}$$ What does the 5 mean?

      translation of 5 units left
      Correct answer: translation of 5 units right
      translation of 5 units up
      translation of 5 units down

      Q6.
      $$\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}$$ What does the -7 mean?

      translation of 7 units left
      translation of 7 units right
      translation of 7 units up
      Correct answer: translation of 7 units down

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which button allows you to draw a polygon?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Which button opens up the option menu containing the vector tool?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Which button opens up the option menu containing the selection tool?

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q4.
      Which button allows you to measure an angle?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q5.
      Desmos rotates shapes __________.

      Correct answer: anti-clockwise
      clockwise
      either clockwise or anti-cloackwise
      neither clockwise nor anti-clockwise

      Q6.
      Lucas wants to rotate a shape clockwise by 50° in Desmos. What angle should he enter into Desmos?

      50°
      130°
      230°
      Correct answer: 310°

      To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Investigating transformations with Desmos, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...