🪞 Mirror Image – Definition
A Mirror Image is the left-right reflection of an object or figure as seen in a vertical mirror placed beside it (usually on the left or right side).
✍️ Example:
-
The mirror image of the letter R looks like a reversed R facing the other direction.
-
The word "RAM" in a mirror would appear as "MAR".
🧠 Key Point:
-
Left becomes right, and right becomes left.
-
No change in top or bottom.
💧 Water Image – Definition
A Water Image is the top-bottom reflection of an object as seen in still water placed below the object (like a horizontal mirror at the bottom).
✍️ Example:
-
The water image of the letter M looks like W (inverted).
-
A triangle 🔼 in water looks like 🔽.
🧠 Key Point:
-
Top becomes bottom, and bottom becomes top.
-
Left and right remain unchanged.
Core Concepts with Examples
🪞A. Mirror Image Rules
| Object | Mirror Image (Vertical) | Mirror Image (Horizontal) |
|---|---|---|
P | q (lateral inversion) | d (top-bottom flip) |
3 | Ɛ | Ɛ (no change) |
◁ | ▷ | ▽ |
Diagram:
Original: P Mirror (Vertical): q Mirror (Horizontal): d
💧B. Water Image Rules
| Object | Water Image |
|---|---|
B | ᗺ |
8 | 8 (unchanged) |
∧ | ∨ |
Diagram:
Original: ∧ Water Image: ∨
🔑 Step-by-Step Solving Methods
Method 1: Alphabet Mirroring
Identify vertical/horizontal mirror line
For letters:
Vertical:
A→A,H→H(symmetrical),P→qHorizontal:
B→ᗺ,M→W
Example:
Find mirror image of "MIRROR" (vertical):
Solution: "ЯOЯЯIM" (each letter inverted)
Method 2: Clock Time Mirroring
Formula: Mirror Time = 11:60 - Actual Time
Example: Actual time = 3:25 → Mirror time = 8:35
Method 3: Figure Symmetry
Draw the mirror line
Swap sides while keeping top/bottom fixed (for vertical mirror)
Example:
Original: ◢ Mirror (Vertical): ◣
📘 Practice Questions with Diagrams
Q1: Mirror Image (Vertical)
Problem: What is the mirror image of ⏴?
Options:
A) ⏵
B) ⏶
C) ⏷
Answer: A) ⏵ (left-right swap)
Q2: Water Image
Problem: What is the water image of T?
Options:
A) ⊥
B) T
C) ┴
Answer: C) ┴ (upside-down)
Q3: Clock Mirroring
Problem: If a mirror shows 2:40, what's the actual time?
Solution:
11:60 - 2:40 = 9:20
Q4: Combined Reflection
Problem: What is the water image of the mirror image of E?
Answer:
Mirror image (vertical):
ƎWater image of
Ǝ: Ǝ (no change)
Q5: Word Reflection
Problem: Mirror image of "NOON" (vertical)?
Answer: "ИOOИ" (N→И, O unchanged)
🧩 Advanced Concepts
A. Multiple Reflections
Mirror + Water Image: Apply both transformations sequentially
Example: Original:
◁→ Mirror:▷→ Water:△
B. Embedded Figures
Find mirror/water images within complex shapes
Example:
Original: |◡| Water Image: |◠|
🧠 Pro Tips for Exams
Symmetrical Letters: A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y → Some stay same in mirror
Digital vs Analog Clocks: Digital numbers invert differently (e.g.,
1becomes1but2becomes↊)Fast Drawing: Sketch a quick mirror line to verify answers
🔧 Common Mistakes
Confusing water (top-bottom) and mirror (left-right) images
Forgetting that some characters (e.g.,
8,O) remain identicalMissing subtle asymmetries in letters (e.g.,
Gvs mirroredG)
✅ Practice Questions - Mirror/Water Image
Q1: Mirror Image (Vertical)
Problem: What is the vertical mirror image of the following figure?
/\ / \ /____\
Options:
A)
/\ / \ /____\
B)
/\ / \ \____/
C)
/\ / \ \____/
Answer: B
Explanation: The right side becomes the left side in a vertical mirror.
Q2: Water Image
Problem: What is the water image of this figure?
▲ / \ /___\
Options:
A)
▼ / \ \___/
B)
▲ / \ /___\
C)
▼ \ / /_\
Answer: A
Explanation: The water image flips the figure upside down.
Q3: Clock Mirroring
Problem: If a mirror shows the time as 3:45, what is the actual time?
Mirror: | (3) |----| (45)
Answer: 8:15
Explanation: Use the formula: Actual Time = 11:60 - Mirror Time → 11:60 - 3:45 = 8:15.
Q4: Letter Reflection
Problem: What is the vertical mirror image of the letter "R"?
Options:
A) Я
B) R
C) ᖉ
Answer: A) Я
Explanation: The letter "R" laterally inverts to "Я" in a vertical mirror.
Q5: Combined Reflection
Problem: What is the water image of the mirror image of "E"?
Steps:
Mirror image (vertical) of "E" = "Ǝ"
Water image of "Ǝ" = ?
Answer: Ǝ
Explanation: The water image of "Ǝ" remains the same as it's already inverted.
Q6: Symmetrical Figure
Problem: Which figure is identical to its water image?
Options:
A) ◯
B) ◻
C) △
Answer: A) ◯
Explanation: A circle looks the same when flipped upside down.
Q7: Number Reflection
Problem: What is the vertical mirror image of "69"?
Options:
A) 69
B) 96
C) 69
Answer: A) 69
Explanation: "6" becomes "9" and vice versa in a mirror, so "69" inverts to "69".
Q8: Word Reflection
Problem: What is the vertical mirror image of the word "MOM"?
Options:
A) WOW
B) MOM
C) ꟽOꟽ
Answer: B) MOM
Explanation: "M" and "O" are symmetrical letters that remain unchanged.
Q9: Complex Shape
Problem: What is the water image of this arrow?
→ / \ └───┘
Options:
A)
←
/
└───┘
B)
↓
\ /
───
C)
↑
/
┌───┐
Answer: B
Explanation: The arrow points downward when flipped upside down.
Q10: Digital Display
Problem: What is the water image of a digital "7"?
Original: 7 Water Image: ?
Options:
A) 7
B) ᒥ
C) Γ
Answer: B) ᒥ
Explanation: The digital "7" upside down resembles "ᒥ".