Which of the following best defines 'vector graphics'?

Vector graphics are defined as images created using mathematical equations that define shapes and lines. This characteristic allows vector graphics to be scalable without any loss of quality. When a vector image is enlarged or reduced in size, the mathematical formulas that dictate the image's dimensions are recalibrated, enabling it to maintain sharpness and clarity at any scale. This makes vector graphics particularly useful for logos, illustrations, and any design work where resizing is frequently necessary.

In contrast, raster images, which are made of pixels, can lose quality when resized because they rely on a fixed grid of individual dots; enlarging them results in pixelation or blurring. Photographic images processed through software are generally raster images, and while they can be manipulated, they do not have the same quality retention that vector graphics do. 3D models, while related to graphic communications, encompass a different medium focusing on three-dimensional representation, rather than the two-dimensional properties defined by vector graphics. Thus, the essence of vector graphics centers around their mathematical foundation, enabling precise and scalable images, which is articulated clearly in the correct answer.