Lines of Symmetry in a Rectangle

A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles. It has opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel to each other. When we talk about lines of symmetry, we are referring to lines that divide a shape into two congruent halves. In the case of a rectangle, there are two lines of symmetry.

Definition of Lines of Symmetry

A line of symmetry is a line that divides a shape into two identical parts. Each part is a mirror image of the other. If a shape has more than one line of symmetry, it means that it can be folded or divided in multiple ways to create identical halves.

Lines of Symmetry in a Rectangle

1. Vertical Line of Symmetry: A rectangle has one vertical line of symmetry. This line passes through the midpoint of the rectangle and divides it into two congruent halves. Each half is a mirror image of the other.

2. Horizontal Line of Symmetry: A rectangle also has one horizontal line of symmetry. This line passes through the midpoint of the rectangle's longer sides and divides it into two congruent halves. Again, each half is a mirror image of the other.

These two lines of symmetry are the only ways to fold a rectangle so that both halves match perfectly. If we were to fold or cut a rectangle along any other line, the resulting halves would not be congruent.

Comparison with Other Shapes

It is important to note that not all shapes have the same number of lines of symmetry. For example:

- A square, which is a special type of rectangle, has four lines of symmetry. It has two vertical lines of symmetry and two horizontal lines of symmetry.
- A triangle has three lines of symmetry. Each line passes through a vertex and the midpoint of the opposite side.
- A circle has an infinite number of lines of symmetry. Any line passing through its center will divide it into two congruent halves.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A, a rectangle has two lines of symmetry.