Squares, Trapezoid, and Rhombus

 

 

Unit Overview

In this unit, learners will delve into the geometrical nuances of squares, trapezoids, and kites, three distinct types of quadrilaterals. The journey begins with squares, where we explore their defining features such as four equal sides, right angles, and the properties shared with rectangles and rhombuses, like congruent diagonals and being parallelograms. The focus then shifts to trapezoids, distinguished by a single pair of parallel sides, and we'll examine their variations including isosceles, scalene, and right trapezoids, alongside formulas for calculating their area and perimeter. Finally, the spotlight turns to kites, unique for their two pairs of adjacent equal sides and intersecting diagonals at right angles.

 

Quadrilateral Property Chart

 

 


Square

A square is a fundamental geometric shape, characterized by its quadrilateral form with four equal sides. It's a prevalent shape in our surroundings, notable for its equal sides and right angles (90°). This guide delves into the square's attributes, formulas, and construction.

 

What is a Square?

A square is a two-dimensional shape (2D) with four sides of equal length. The sides are not only equal but also parallel, forming a simple yet distinct figure.

A square is a type of quadrilateral, defined by:

 

In this video, you will learn that the square has the following properties: All the properties of a rhombus apply - the ones that matter here are parallel sides, diagonals are perpendicular bisectors of each other, and diagonals bisect the angles. All the properties of a rectangle apply - the only one that matters here is diagonals are congruent. 

 

 

Properties of a Square

A square's properties are numerous, including:

 

Common Properties of a Square and Rectangle

Squares and rectangles share several properties:

 

Formulas of a Square

Squares have three essential formulas:

1.  Area: The area represents the space it occupies, calculated as Area = s² (where 's' is the side length). It's measured in square units (cm², m², etc.).

2.  Perimeter: The perimeter is the total boundary length, calculated as Perimeter = 4 × Side. It's expressed in linear units (cm, m, inches, etc.)

    

3.  Diagonal: The diagonal is a line segment joining two non-adjacent vertices. Using Pythagoras theorem, the diagonal formula is Diagonal (d) = √2 × a (where 'a' is the side length).

 

 

These formulas and properties make the square a vital component in geometry, with practical applications in various fields.



Trapezoid

The trapezoid, also known as a trapezium in some regions, is a unique quadrilateral recognized for its varied interpretations based on geographical location. This four-sided polygon is distinguished by having one pair of opposite sides parallel, known as the bases, while the other sides, referred to as the legs, are non-parallel.

 

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A trapezoid is a closed 2D figure with two parallel sides termed as bases. The non-parallel sides are the legs. The altitude, or the shortest distance between the bases, is a crucial dimension for calculating its area.

In this video, you will learn to use and apply the properties of trapezoids

 

 

Properties of a Trapezoid

Trapezoids are known for their unique features:

·     Parallel bases.

·     In an isosceles trapezoid, opposite sides are equal.

·     Adjacent angles sum up to 180°.

·     The median (mid-segment) is parallel to the bases and its length is the average of the bases.

·     A trapezoid becomes a parallelogram if both pairs of opposite sides are parallel.

·     Under certain conditions (all sides parallel and equal, right angles), a trapezoid can be considered a square or a rectangle.

 

Types of Trapezoids

Trapezoids are categorized into three main types:

1.  Isosceles Trapezoid: This type has equal non-parallel sides, equal base angles, a line of symmetry, and equal diagonals.

2.  Scalene Trapezoid: Here, neither sides nor angles are equal.

3.  Right Trapezoid: Characterized by a pair of right angles.

 

Trapezoid Formulas

The primary formulas for a trapezoid are for its area and perimeter:

·     Area: Calculated as the product of the average of the bases and the altitude A = [(a + b)/2] × h.

·     Perimeter: The sum of all sides Perimeter = a + b + c + d).

 

Theorem of a Trapezoid

(1) The median of a trapezoid is parallel to the bases and half the sum of the lengths of the bases.

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Click here for the Proof.

 

Theorem of an Isosceles Trapezoid

(2)   If a quadrilateral (with one set of parallel sides) is an isosceles trapezoid, its legs are congruent.

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Click here for the Proof.

(3)   If a quadrilateral is an isosceles trapezoid, the diagonals are congruent.   

isostrap3

Click here for the Proof.

(4)    (converse) If a trapezoid has congruent diagonals, it is an isosceles trapezoid.

isostrap3

Click here for the Proof.

(5)    If a quadrilateral is an isosceles trapezoid, the opposite angles are supplementary.

isostrap4

Click here for the Proof.

(6)    (converse) If a trapezoid has its opposite angles supplementary, it is an isosceles trapezoid.

isostrap4

Click here for the Proof.

 

 


Kite

A kite, in the realm of geometry, is a distinct type of quadrilateral characterized by two pairs of adjacent sides of equal length. This shape stands out due to its intersecting diagonals that form a right angle. Let's delve deeper into the kite's properties.

 

 

A kite is a quadrilateral where two pairs of adjacent sides are of equal length. Unlike some other quadrilaterals, a kite does not have parallel sides, but it does feature one pair of equal opposite angles.

Properties of a Kite

The kite, with its unique structure, exhibits the following properties:

    

·     Two pairs of adjacent sides are equal in length.

·     One pair of opposite angles, typically the obtuse angles, are equal.

·     The longer diagonal bisects the shorter diagonal and the kite itself into congruent triangles.

·     The diagonals intersect at right angles (90°).

·     The shorter diagonal divides the kite into two isosceles triangles.

·     The longer diagonal creates two congruent triangles by the Side-Side-Side (SSS) criterion of congruence.

·     The area of a kite is half the product of its diagonals.

·     The perimeter is the sum of all its sides.

·     The sum of its interior angles equals 360°.

 

Angles in a Kite

Regarding the angles of a kite:

·     The four interior angles total 360°, as with any quadrilateral.

·     One pair of non-adjacent angles (the obtuse angles) are equal.

 

Diagonals of a Kite

The diagonals of a kite have these notable features:

·     They differ in length, with the longer diagonal bisecting the shorter.

·     They intersect at right angles.

·     The shorter diagonal forms two isosceles triangles.

·     The longer diagonal forms two congruent triangles based on the SSS congruence.

 

Theorems of a Kite

 

Definition and Theorems pertaining to a kite:

DEFINITION: kite is a quadrilateral whose four sides are drawn such that there are two distinct sets of adjacent, congruent sides.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, the diagonals are perpendicular.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, it has one pair of opposite angles congruent.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, it has one diagonal forming two isosceles triangles.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, it has one diagonal forming two congruent triangles.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, it has one diagonal that bisects a pair of opposite angles.

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THEOREM: If a quadrilateral is a kite, it has one diagonal that bisects the other diagonal.

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THEOREM: If one of the diagonals of a quadrilateral is the perpendicular bisector of the other, the quadrilateral is a kite.

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Important Notes

Key takeaways about a kite include:

·     It is a type of quadrilateral.

·     It fulfills all properties of a cyclic quadrilateral.

·     Its area is calculated as half the product of its diagonals.

 

Understanding these properties provides a comprehensive view of the kite, highlighting its unique place in geometry.

 

Quadrilateral Properties Quiz