GCSE Maths Practice: transformations

Question 4 of 10

Understand the effect of enlarging with a negative scale factor on orientation.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{What happens to the orientation when a shape is enlarged with a negative scale factor?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Multiply coordinates by the absolute value, then invert through the center.

A negative scale factor not only enlarges a shape but also inverts it across the center of enlargement, effectively rotating it 180°. Distances are scaled by the absolute value of the factor, while the negative sign causes reflection through the center. This is important in similarity, transformations, and mapping coordinates. Practice applying negative scale factors to points and shapes, and verify orientation changes using grids. Recognize that orientation is reversed, but size and shape scale proportionally.