IP331.com | Online Tools
HomeGeometry ToolsPoint Symmetry Calculator

Point Symmetry Calculator

Enter point coordinates and line equation to compute the reflected point

Point P₀
x₀
y₀
Line Ax + By + C = 0
x + y + = 0

Reflection Formula

x = x₀ − 2A(Ax₀+By₀+C)/(A²+B²)
y = y₀ − 2B(Ax₀+By₀+C)/(A²+B²)

Derived from two conditions: 1) PP\' is perpendicular to line L; 2) The midpoint of PP\' lies on line L.

Note: A and B cannot both be 0. When the point lies exactly on the line, the reflected point is the point itself.

What Is Point Symmetry About a Line?

Point reflection about a line is an important transformation in plane geometry and analytic geometry. If point P\' is the reflection of point P about line L, then L is the perpendicular bisector of line segment PP\'.

Perpendicular Condition

PP\' is perpendicular to L. Slope of L is −A/B (B≠0), slope of PP\' is B/A (A≠0). Product = −1.

Midpoint Condition

Midpoint M((x₀+x)/2, (y₀+y)/2) lies on L: A·(x₀+x)/2 + B·(y₀+y)/2 + C = 0.

Special Lines

x=a → (2a−x₀,y₀); y=b → (x₀,2b−y₀); y=x → (y₀,x₀); y=−x → (−y₀,−x₀).

Applications

Reflection is used for point-to-line distance, light reflection paths, shortest path problems, and geometric optics.

Teaching Example: Point P₀(3,4) reflected about line x+y-4=0. A=1, B=1, C=−4, A²+B²=2, Ax₀+By₀+C=3+4−4=3. x=3−2×1×3/2=0, y=4−2×1×3/2=1. Result: P\'(0,1).

Applications

Graph Symmetry Coordinate Transform Art & Design Crystal Structure Competition Math

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the principle of point symmetry about a line?
PP\' ⊥ L and midpoint on L. Solve: x = x₀−2A·(Ax₀+By₀+C)/(A²+B²), y = y₀−2B·(Ax₀+By₀+C)/(A²+B²).
How is the reflection formula derived?
From perpendicular slope condition and midpoint-on-line condition, eliminate variables to derive the formula.
Are there simplifications for special lines?
x=a: (2a−x₀,y₀); y=b: (x₀,2b−y₀); y=x: swap; y=−x: swap and negate.

More Geometry Tools

Free online calculators and tools covering mathematics, unit conversion, text processing, and daily life. Accurate, fast, mobile-friendly, and completely free to use.

© 2026 IP331.com — Free Online Tools. All rights reserved.

About · Contact · Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Terms of Use · Disclaimer · Sitemap