A(n) ______________ is the original figure in the transformation of a figure in a plane.

A.
isometry

B.
mapping

C.
image

D.
preimage

D. preimage

D. preimage

The correct answer is D. preimage.

To understand why the preimage is the original figure in a transformation, let's briefly explain what a transformation is. In mathematics, a transformation is a function that maps a set of points in one space called the domain to a set of points in another space called the range. In the case of figures in a plane, a transformation is an operation that changes the position, size, or shape of the figure.

When a transformation is applied to a figure, the starting figure is called the preimage. The preimage is the original figure, which serves as the input to the transformation. It is the figure that undergoes the change or transformation.

After the transformation is applied to the preimage, a new figure is obtained, which is called the image. The image is the resulting figure after the transformation has been applied.

So, in summary, the preimage is the original figure in the transformation of a figure in a plane. It is the figure that is being transformed.