What can transformations clarify in geometric configurations?

Transformations in geometry, such as translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations, help to explore and analyze the properties of geometric figures. When considering congruence, transformations can demonstrate that two figures are congruent if one can be obtained from the other through a series of transformations. This tells us that the figures have the same shape and size, irrespective of their position or orientation in space.

In terms of symmetry, transformations allow us to identify lines of symmetry in figures, which reveals how a shape can be folded or reflected and still maintain its overall structure. For example, a reflection over a line of symmetry will produce a figure that is congruent to the original shape, highlighting symmetrical properties.

Other options such as analyzing color differences or counting the number of sides in polygons do not directly involve the study of transformations in geometric configurations. While color or the number of sides can describe features of geometric figures, they do not clarify relationships and properties established through transformations, such as congruence and symmetry. Therefore, the statement that transformations clarify the congruence and symmetry of figures accurately represents the significance of transformations in geometry.