What type of transformation does a reflection represent?

A reflection is a type of transformation that can be classified as a rigid transformation. Rigid transformations maintain the original shape and size of a figure, meaning that the pre-image and the image are congruent. During a reflection, each point of the original figure is flipped over a specific line known as the line of reflection, creating a mirror image. This process does not alter distances between points or angles within the figure, ensuring that the overall dimensions and proportions remain unchanged.

In contrast, a non-rigid transformation, such as dilation, alters the size of the figure, which is not the case with a reflection. Similarly, a distortion would imply a change in the overall shape, which does not occur during a reflection. Lastly, while a translation does involve moving a figure within the plane, it differs fundamentally from a reflection, as it shifts all points the same distance in the same direction without changing their orientation. Therefore, recognizing that reflections preserve the congruence of geometric figures identifies them as rigid transformations.