GCSE Maths Practice: transformations

Question 6 of 10

Calculate coordinates after enlargement with a negative scale factor.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{Where does the point (3,4) move after enlargement by scale factor } -2 \text{ about the origin?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Multiply each coordinate by the scale factor; negative flips through center.

Enlargement involves multiplying coordinates by a scale factor from a center of enlargement. A negative scale factor flips the shape through the center while scaling distances. For example, multiplying (3,4) by -2 gives (-6,-8). This preserves angles and shape proportions but changes orientation. Understanding negative scale factors is key in coordinate geometry, transformations, and similarity problems. Practice applying scale factors to various points to observe how shapes change position and orientation.