Calm Stepwise 11 Plus Maths Problem Solving: Mirror Questions
1 November 2026
Solving mirror problems in 11 plus maths
Mirror or reflection questions are common in 11 plus exams. They test spatial reasoning and problem solving. A calm, stepwise approach helps children tackle these confidently.
Understanding the problem
Start by reading the whole question carefully. Look for key words such as 'mirror', 'reflection', or 'symmetry'. Check what the question is really asking: is it about the position, shape, or size of the reflected object?
Break the problem into steps
Encourage your child to visualise or draw the situation. If a shape is reflected in a mirror line, ask: where is the mirror? Is it vertical, horizontal, or diagonal? Mark the mirror line clearly on the diagram before reflecting any points or shapes.
Worked example
A triangle has points at (2, 3), (4, 3), and (3, 5) on a grid. The triangle is reflected in the vertical mirror line x = 5. Where will the reflected triangle's points be?
Step 1: Identify the mirror line. x = 5 means a vertical line through x = 5.
Step 2: For each point, count how far it is from the mirror line and reflect it the same distance on the other side.
Point (2, 3) is 3 units left of x = 5. Reflect it to 3 units right: 5 + 3 = 8, so (8, 3).
Point (4, 3) is 1 unit left of x = 5. Reflect it to 1 unit right: 5 + 1 = 6, so (6, 3).
Point (3, 5) is 2 units left of x = 5. Reflect it to 2 units right: 5 + 2 = 7, so (7, 5).
The reflected triangle's points are (8, 3), (6, 3), and (7, 5).
Check and explain the answer
Encourage your child to check that each reflected point is the same distance from the mirror line as the original. This helps spot mistakes and builds confidence.
Key insight: Mirror problems become much easier when you break them down into simple steps and use diagrams. Encourage your child to draw and label each stage of their working.
