In the context of transformations, what is a pre-image?

A pre-image refers to the original figure or shape before any transformations have taken place. In geometry and transformations, when you apply an operation (such as translation, rotation, reflection, or dilation) to a figure, the resulting figure is called the image, while the figure you start with is known as the pre-image.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it provides a framework for analyzing how shapes change through different transformations. The term "pre-image" emphasizes that it is the version of the geometric figure before any alterations, forming a basis for subsequent discussions about the effects of transformations on that figure.