What type of transformation is a dilation?

A dilation is categorized as a non-rigid transformation because it changes the size of a figure without altering its shape. In a dilation, every point of the figure is moved away from or towards a fixed point, known as the center of dilation, by a scaling factor. This scaling factor determines how much larger or smaller the figure becomes. While the angles and the relative proportions of the sides remain intact, the overall dimensions of the figure change, distinguishing it from rigid transformations that preserve both size and shape. Therefore, classifying dilation as a non-rigid transformation reflects its fundamental characteristic of size change while maintaining geometric properties. This differentiation is essential in understanding the broader concepts of transformations in geometry.