What does a reflection transformation do to a figure?

A reflection transformation flips a figure over a specific line, creating a mirror image of the original figure. This line is often referred to as the "line of reflection." When a shape is reflected, every point on the shape moves to a location directly opposite, maintaining the same distance from the line of reflection. This results in a new figure that is congruent to the original, ensuring that all corresponding angles and side lengths remain unchanged.

For example, if you reflect a triangle over a vertical line, each vertex of the triangle will move to a position that is equidistant from the line on the opposite side, effectively producing a mirror image of that triangle. In everyday life, this is seen in the way your reflection appears in a mirror.

The other transformations mentioned in the choices do not apply here. Rotation involves turning a figure about a point, stretching increases its size while preserving shape, and translation moves it without altering its orientation or size. Each of these transformations alters the figure in a manner distinct from what reflection does.