Linear Transformations

Matrix of Transformation

Options Zoom:
Shape: Square House Star

Transformations Compose Transformations

by an angle of degrees
across the x-axis
across the y-axis
in both directions by a factor of
horizontally by a factor of
vertically by a factor of
horizontally by a factor of
vertically by a factor of
onto the line through ( , )

Transformation Determinant: 1
☑ Invertible ☑ Orientation Preserving ☑ Area Preserving

About Linear Transformations

A linear transformation \(T:V \to W\) is a mapping, or function, between vector spaces \(V\) and \(W\) that preserves addition and scalar multiplication. That is, for all \(v_1\) and \(v_2\) in \(V\),

\(T(v_1+v_2)=T(v_1)+T(v_2)\)
\(T(av_1)=aT(v_1)\)

For finite dimensional spaces \(V\) and \(W\) over a field \(F\), a linear transformation can be represented as an \( m \times n\) matrix \(M\), where \(m = \dim_F(V)\) and \(n = \dim_F(W)\). Thus, given a vector \(v \in V\), the result of applying the transformation to \(v\) is \(Mv\).

A transformation is invertible when its associated matrix is invertible; that is, when it has a nonzero determinant. The orientation of the images on the plane are preserved with the determinant is positive, and the area is preserved when the determinant is -1 or 1.

Using the Applet

This applet illustrates the effects of applying various linear transformations to objects in \( \mathbb{R}^2 \). You may choose a shape to apply transformations to, and zoom and in out using the slider. The \(2 \times 2\) transformation matrix can be entered directly, or you can choose one of the preset transformations listed. Choosing a preset transformation will update the transformation matrix automatically.

Check the "Combine Transformation" box to compose transformations. Transformations are composed by multiplying on the left by subsequent matrices. For instance, suppose \(R\) is a rotation matrix, and \(S\) is a matrix that scales the object. Then \(RS\) is a transformation that first scales the object, and then rotates it, while \(SR\) is a transformation that rotates the object, followed by scaling. To enter \(RS\), check the "Combine Transformation" box, then choose an amount to scale followed by the rotation. \(SR\) is entered in the opposite order - first rotate, then scale. Note that these transformations will generally not be equal, since matrix multiplication is not commutative.

An additional feature of the applet is the ability to see where each point \((x,y)\) of the object is sent by a transformation \(T\). Clicking and holding the mouse while moving over any point will reveal a pair of vectors \((x,y)\) and \(T(x,y)\). If these vectors are scalar multiples (they overlap), the vector is an eigenvector of the transformation.

If the orientation of the shape has been reversed due to a reflection, the color of the shape will change from blue to grey. The original position of the shape is displayed as a dotted grey outline.

About the Applet

This applet was created using JavaScript and HTML Canvas. No other libraries/dependencies are required. If you are having trouble viewing the applet, be sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser. Click here for instructions. Internet Explorer is not recommended for this applet.

This applet was last updated June 2018.