What does it mean for two geometric figures to be congruent?

Two geometric figures are said to be congruent when they have the same shape and size. This implies that if one figure is placed over the other, they will match exactly, without any gaps or overlaps. Congruence encompasses all corresponding sides being equal in length and all corresponding angles being equal in measure. This concept is fundamental in geometry as it establishes a clear standard for comparison among different shapes.

In contrast, other options highlight different scenarios. Having different shapes but the same area suggests a relationship based on measurement but does not imply congruence. The notion of proportional figures indicates that while the shapes relate to each other by a constant scale factor, they may differ in size, therefore not meeting the definition of congruence. Lastly, stating that one figure is a reflection of another implies congruence in many cases, but simply being a reflection is a specific case where the figures may still be congruent or have other relationships. Overall, congruence is specifically defined by both shape and size being identical, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of the concept.