If a transformation moves a figure to the right on the coordinate plane, what type of translation is this?

• A. A vertical translation in the negative $y$-direction
• B. A horizontal translation in the negative $x$-direction
• C. A vertical translation in the positive $y$-direction
• D. A horizontal translation in the positive $x$-direction

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that translations in the coordinate plane involve shifting a figure without rotating or resizing it.
2. Understand that moving a figure to the right means increasing its x-coordinate values while keeping the y-coordinates the same.
3. Recognize that a horizontal translation affects the x-coordinate, while a vertical translation affects the y-coordinate.
4. Since the figure moves to the right, this corresponds to a positive change in the x-direction, which is called a horizontal translation in the positive x-direction.
5. Therefore, the correct description of the transformation is a horizontal translation in the positive x-direction.