DfE statement G24 · Geometry and measures

Translations as vectors

Both tiersNon-calculator

Translations as vectors is content statement G24 of the DfE GCSE mathematics subject content, in the geometry area. It is on both tiers, and it is examined without a calculator. Below is what the specification actually requires, the 3 mistakes that cost marks on this topic most often, and practice questions written to the statement — original questions, not past papers.

What the specification says

The DfE subject content for GCSE mathematics states, verbatim: "Describe translations as 2D vectors." (statement G24). Every awarding organisation — Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR — must cover it, so the wording is the same whichever specification your school follows.
— Department for Education, Mathematics: GCSE subject content and assessment objectives, statement G24

Tier

Both tiers. This statement is Foundation content, which means Higher students are examined on it too — Higher is Foundation plus more, never instead of it.

Calculator

This is non-calculator territory. Questions on it belong naturally on Paper 1, where written method is all you have — so practise it that way rather than with a calculator to hand.

Common mistakes

Writing the translation as a coordinate, (3, −2), rather than as a column vector.
Getting the sign of the vertical component wrong — down is negative.
Describing a translation as a 'move' without stating the vector, which is what the question asks for.

Sample questions (10 of 30)

G24 · Translations as vectorsQuestion 1 of 10 · 0 correct

Practice mode· no pressure · hints available

Geometry and measures

G24

Beginner

A shape is translated by the vector $(4 - 3)$ . The point P(6, 1) lies on the shape. Write down the coordinates of the image of P.

💡 Hints:

Foundation worksheet Higher worksheet Foundation geometry and measures practice Higher geometry and measures practice

Nearby statements

G1Geometric terms, notation and diagrams G2Ruler and compass constructions and loci G3Angle facts, parallel lines and polygons G4Properties of triangles and quadrilaterals

Questions people ask

Is translations as vectors on Foundation or Higher?

Both. It is Foundation content, so it can be asked on either tier.

Can I use a calculator for translations as vectors?

Not on Paper 1, which is where this normally appears. Paper 1 is non-calculator for both tiers and carries the same 80 marks as each of the other two papers.

What is the single most common mistake here?

Writing the translation as a coordinate, (3, −2), rather than as a column vector.

Are these past paper questions?

No. Every question is original, written to this DfE content statement and checked before publication. We do not host past papers or mark schemes.

Back to Geometry and measures at Foundation or at Higher.