Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a type of quadrilateral that is defined by having both pairs of opposite sides parallel. This section delves into the characteristics that categorize a shape as a parallelogram, which include:
- Definition: A quadrilateral with both pairs of opposite sides parallel.
- Properties:
- Opposite sides are equal: For any parallelogram ABCD, AB = CD and AD = BC.
- Opposite angles are equal: The angles ∠A and ∠C, as well as ∠B and ∠D, are equal.
- Diagonals bisect each other: The intersection point of the diagonals (let's call it E) divides each diagonal into two equal segments, meaning AE = EC and BE = ED.
- Examples and Non-examples: It provides instances of parallelograms and compares them to shapes that are not parallelograms, illustrating properties visually.
Given these properties, the section reinforces the foundational importance of parallelograms in the study of geometric shapes, setting the stage for exploring more complex figures such as rectangles, rhombuses, and squares—each with their specific attributes derived from the basic properties of parallelograms.