Final answer:
Scaling an image refers to resizing it to a percentage of its original size, which is often done by adjusting the pixel dimensions in digital editing or through optical adjustments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question asks which of the listed options describes scaling an image. Scaling an image refers to resizing it to a percentage of its original size, which corresponds to option 1. This process can be achieved by controlling various factors such as the distances between the object, the lens, and the screen, as well as the curvature of the lens in optical devices, or by adjusting the pixel dimensions in digital editing software. Thus, scaling involves changing the image's dimensions while retaining its proportions.