Distinguish between vector graphics and raster graphics.

Distinguish between vector graphics and raster graphics.

• A. Vector graphics use mathematical paths and scale without loss; raster graphics are pixels and lose quality when enlarged.
• B. Vector graphics are pixel-based and lose quality when enlarged.
• C. Rasters are defined by mathematical paths and scale without loss.
• D. Rasters require vector fonts.

Answer: (A)

The difference lies in how the image data is stored and how scaling affects them. Vector graphics describe shapes using mathematical paths, so lines and curves stay perfectly smooth at any size because the image is redrawn from formulas rather than a fixed grid. Raster graphics, on the other hand, are made up of individual pixels; when you enlarge, you magnify those pixels and the image can look blurry or blocky. This is why vectors are ideal for logos and type that must stay crisp at any dimension, while rasters are better for photos and images with complex color detail. The other descriptions mix up these ideas: rasters aren’t defined by mathematical paths, and fonts aren’t restricted to rasters—font outlines are typically vector, with raster versions created only when rendering to a bitmap at a given size.

The difference lies in how the image data is stored and how scaling affects them. Vector graphics describe shapes using mathematical paths, so lines and curves stay perfectly smooth at any size because the image is redrawn from formulas rather than a fixed grid. Raster graphics, on the other hand, are made up of individual pixels; when you enlarge, you magnify those pixels and the image can look blurry or blocky. This is why vectors are ideal for logos and type that must stay crisp at any dimension, while rasters are better for photos and images with complex color detail. The other descriptions mix up these ideas: rasters aren’t defined by mathematical paths, and fonts aren’t restricted to rasters—font outlines are typically vector, with raster versions created only when rendering to a bitmap at a given size.