When a geometric figure is reflected over the y-axis, the transformation that occurs is known as a reflection. A reflection over the y-axis specifically involves flipping the figure across the y-axis, which acts as a line of reflection.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of what happens in this transformation:
Line of Reflection : In this case, the y-axis is the line of reflection. This means that every point of the reflected figure will be mirrored on the opposite side of the y-axis.
Mirror Image : The original figure is flipped to produce a mirror image on the opposite side of the y-axis. This means that points on the original figure will have the same distance from the y-axis as their corresponding points on the reflected figure.
Coordinates Change : If you consider a point on the original figure with coordinates ( x , y ) , its reflection over the y-axis will have coordinates ( − x , y ) . Here, the x-coordinate is negated, while the y-coordinate remains the same, which results in the flipping of the figure.
Among the given options, "The figure is flipped across a line, producing a mirror image" best describes this transformation, as it accurately captures the essence of what occurs during a reflection over the y-axis.
To sum up, reflection over the y-axis results in producing a mirror image by swapping the side of each point relative to the y-axis while maintaining the same distance from it.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
The figure is flipped across a line, producing a mirror image.
The transformation of reflecting a geometric figure over the y-axis is known as a reflection, where the figure is flipped to create a mirror image. The coordinates of points on the original figure change from ( x , y ) to ( − x , y ) . Therefore, the correct answer is: The figure is flipped across a line, producing a mirror image.
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