Difference between square and parallelogram?
Difference between Square and Parallelogram
Introduction
Both square and parallelogram are two-dimensional geometric shapes that belong to the category of quadrilaterals. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other. This article aims to provide a detailed explanation of the differences between squares and parallelograms.
Square
A square is a special type of quadrilateral that has four equal sides and four right angles. It can be seen as a special case of a rectangle where all sides are equal in length. The properties of a square include:
1. Equal sides: All four sides of a square are of equal length.
2. Right angles: Each interior angle of a square measures 90 degrees.
3. Diagonals: The diagonals of a square are equal in length and bisect each other at right angles.
4. Symmetry: A square possesses rotational symmetry of order 4, meaning it can be rotated by 90 degrees and still look the same.
Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. It is a more general shape compared to a square, as it does not require all angles to be right angles or all sides to be equal. The properties of a parallelogram include:
1. Opposite sides: The opposite sides of a parallelogram are parallel and of equal length.
2. Opposite angles: The opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal in measure.
3. Diagonals: The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.
4. Area: The area of a parallelogram can be calculated by multiplying the length of the base by the perpendicular height.
Differences
Although a square can be classified as a parallelogram, there are several key differences between the two shapes:
1. Angle measures: In a square, all four angles are right angles (90 degrees), whereas a parallelogram does not have this requirement. The angles of a parallelogram can be acute, obtuse, or right angles.
2. Side lengths: A square has all four sides of equal length, while a parallelogram only has opposite sides that are equal in length.
3. Symmetry: A square possesses rotational symmetry of order 4, while a parallelogram does not have this property.
4. Special properties: Squares have unique properties that are not shared by parallelograms, such as congruent diagonals, equal interior angles, and equal exterior angles.
Conclusion
In summary, the main difference between a square and a parallelogram lies in their angle measures, side lengths, symmetry, and special properties. A square is a special type of parallelogram that has all sides equal in length and all angles measuring 90 degrees. On the other hand, a parallelogram is a more general quadrilateral with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length, but does not require all angles to be right angles or all sides to be equal. Understanding these distinctions is
Difference between square and parallelogram?
Squares are quadrilaterals with 4 congruent sides and 4 right angles, and they also have two sets of parallel sides. Parallelograms are quadrilaterals with two sets of parallel sides.