Reflection

Theorem

Let $M$ be a straight line in the plane passing through the origin.

Then the reflection $s_M$ of $\R^2$ in $M$ is the rotation of the plane in space through one half turn about $M$ as an axis.

$s_M \circ s_M = I_{\R^2}$

and hence:

$s_M = s_M^{-1}$

If $M$ is the $x$-axis then $s_M \left({\lambda_1, \lambda_2}\right) = \left({\lambda_1, -\lambda_2}\right)$.

If $M$ is the $y$-axis then $s_M \left({\lambda_1, \lambda_2}\right) = \left({-\lambda_1, \lambda_2}\right)$.

In general, $s_M$ is a linear operator for every straight line $M$ through the origin.

Sources

• Seth Warner: Modern Algebra (1965): $\S 28$: Example $28.4$