Dilation is a geometric transformation that changes the size of an object while keeping its shape and orientation the same. In a dilation, each point of the original object is multiplied by a scale factor to create a new object that is either larger or smaller than the original. The scale factor can be greater than 1, which results in an enlargement, or between 0 and 1, which results in a reduction.
When a dilation is performed, the distance between any two points on the object is multiplied by the same scale factor. Therefore, the ratio of corresponding lengths, such as sides of a polygon, remains the same in the original and dilated objects.
Dilation is commonly used in mathematics and science to change the size of objects in 2D and 3D space. It is also used in art and design to create patterns and images of various sizes.