Geometric transformations alter the position or size of figures on a plane. These operations include shifting a figure without changing its orientation or dimensions, turning a figure around a fixed point, producing a mirror image of a figure, and scaling a figure proportionally. For example, a triangle can be moved to a new location on a graph, spun around one of its vertices, flipped over a line, or enlarged, respectively, through these operations.
These processes are fundamental in various fields. They are essential in computer graphics for rendering objects, creating animations, and implementing special effects. In engineering and architecture, they facilitate the design and analysis of structures and mechanisms. Historically, these transformations have been used in art and design to create patterns and symmetries, dating back to ancient civilizations.