# Matrix: Reflection in a line

1. Mar 26, 2009

### Gregg

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

To find a transformation that reflects a vector in a line that does not pass through the origin.

3. The attempt at a solution

I've been trying to work this out for a little while and I found that I can do it if I use the vector for the 2d transformation with a 3x3 matrix for x = a (below) and y=a similarly. But y=ax + b I cannot do. I cannot see a way to do this just as I can't see a way to rotate around a point other than the origin.

$\left[ \begin{array}{ccc} -1 &0 &2a \\0 &1 &0 \\0 &0 &1 \\ \end{array}\right] \left[ \begin{array}{c} x \\ y \\ 1 \end{array} \right] = \left[ \begin{array}{c} -x+2a \\ y \\ 1 \end{array} \right]$

Where do I start?

2. Mar 26, 2009

### Wretchosoft

I'll give you a hint for rotating around a point other than the origin: The origin is just that, a point. You can perform a coordinate transformation to reduce the case of a point not at the origin to the case at the origin. If you understand that methodology, you should also be able to reflect about lines that don't pass through the origin.

3. Mar 26, 2009

### lanedance

ie as wretchosoft is implying first apply a translation to make your line pass through the origin
$$\textbf{x'} = T_a(\textbf{x}) = \textbf{x} + \textbf{a}$$
$$R_f(\textbf{x'}) = R.\textbf{x'}$$
$$T_{-a} \circ R_f \circ T_a(\textbf{x})$$