A rotation turns a shape around a point or axis. A reflection mirrors it across a line or plane. Some symmetric shapes can look the same after either operation, so use asymmetric features when comparing options.
A point makes the difference clear
With x increasing rightward and y upward, reflecting (3, 1) across the vertical y-axis gives (−3, 1). Reflecting it across the horizontal x-axis gives (3, −1).
A 180-degree rotation about the origin gives (−3, −1). These three outcomes differ, even though all preserve the point's distance from the origin in this example.
Track feature order around a shape
Imagine a triangle whose corners are labeled A, B and C clockwise. A rotation preserves that cyclic order. A reflection reverses it.
This is useful when answer options share the same outline. Follow the order of distinctive markings instead of deciding from the outer silhouette alone.
Beware of symmetrical examples
An unmarked circle looks unchanged under many rotations and reflections. A square can also conceal the distinction unless an asymmetric marking is added. If a puzzle includes a dot, notch or unequal arm, it may be there to resolve this ambiguity.
Check the relationship between that feature and the rest of the figure. A dot moving to the opposite side does not necessarily mean the whole object was reflected; the rule could move the dot independently.
Try a verbal check
Describe the permitted operation before choosing: turn the entire figure a quarter turn, or mirror every point across the vertical line. Then apply it consistently to all features.
Practice with your own sketch
Draw an asymmetric three-cell shape with one marked cell, then draw its reflection and rotation separately. Label the operation and verify the marked cell's location. The point of the exercise is learning what stays invariant under each transformation, rather than memorizing one familiar silhouette.