SOLUTION: how to classify a quadrilateral

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Question 261510: how to classify a quadrilateral
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
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Any polygon with exactly 4 sides is a quadrilateral. After all, that is what the word quadrilateral means. Quadri means 4 and lateral means side.

If no pair of sides is parallel, then the figure is a general quadrilateral or it is a kite. It is a kite if it has two pairs of adjacent sides that are of equal measure. It is a general quadrilateral otherwise.

If one pair of sides is parallel, but the other is not parallel, then the figure is a trapezoid. That is, unless you live in the UK or otherwise speak British rather than American English, in which case it is a trapezium.

If the figure has two pairs of parallel sides the figure is a parallelogram.

A parallelogram with 4 sides of equal measure is a rhombus.

A rhombus with 4 interior angles of equal measure is a square.

A general parallelogram (not a rhombus) with 4 interior angles of equal measure is a rectangle.


John