Square Pair

This problem builds students' understanding of matrix transformations in two dimensions and encourages exploration which will increase confidence at working with vectors and matrices. Insight gained from geometrical approachs leads to a better understanding of matrix algebra.

Students could explore this problem by choosing a variety of different matrices and plotting the points which $(0,0), (0,1), (1,0)$ and $(1,1)$ are transformed to. Once they have built up a picture of how the square $S$ is transformed, they could be challenged to find matrices which would transform $S$ into a particular type of quadrilateral, and then to justify why some types of quadrilateral cannot be made by transforming $S$. Students may start by justifying these conjectures using their geometrical insights, but they should be encouraged to support this using appropriate matrix algebra.

The second part of the problem asks students to investigate transformations of a second square; this could be done in the same way, first by trying some numerical examples by choosing suitable matrices, then generalising from what they find and supporting their generalisations algebraically.

What can you say about the image of the points on a line after transformation by a matrix?

What can you say about the image of a pair of parallel lines after transformation by a matrix?

Transformations for 10 offers a variety of challenging questions about the effects of matrices in two and three dimensions, with an emphasis on thinking geometrically.

Begin with lots of examples of transforming the points $(0,0), (0,1), (1,0), (1,1)$ by multiplying by different matrices. Plot the resulting four points each time, and share ideas about what is common to all the images.