8th Grade · Geometry

Dilation

8.G.A.4

Definition

A transformation that resizes a figure by a scale factor from a center point. The image is similar to the original, with the same shape but a different size.

Examples

  • From the origin with scale factor 2: (x,y) → (2x, 2y).
  • Scale factor greater than 1 enlarges; between 0 and 1 shrinks.

Key rule

Dilation is NOT rigid — the size changes, but the shape stays similar.

Memory hook

Resize from a center point.