Which type of transformation changes in size to become either smaller or larger? Write translation, rotation, reflection, or dilation.

The type of transformation that changes in size to become either smaller or larger is called dilation.

Dilation is a transformation that alters the size of a figure while maintaining its shape. In this process, all points of the figure move away from or towards a fixed point known as the center of dilation. The scale factor determines how much larger or smaller the figure becomes. If the scale factor is greater than 1, the figure enlarges; if it is between 0 and 1, the figure shrinks.

In contrast, translation moves a figure without changing its size or shape, rotation turns a figure around a point, and reflection flips it across a line. Dilation is unique for its ability to change the dimensions of a shape.