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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Parallelogram and Quadrilateral?

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The main difference between a parallelogram and a quadrilateral lies in the properties of their sides and angles.

A quadrilateral is a two-dimensional geometric structure with four sides, four corners, and no angle requirements. Some types of quadrilaterals include squares, rectangles, rhombuses, trapezoids, kites, and various complex shapes.

A parallelogram, on the other hand, is a special type of quadrilateral with specific properties. In a parallelogram:

  • Opposite sides are parallel and of equal length.
  • Opposite angles are congruent, meaning they have the same measure.
  • Adjacent angles are supplementary, meaning they add up to 180 degrees.
  • The diagonals bisect each other.

Examples of parallelograms include squares, rhombuses, and rectangles. All parallelograms are quadrilaterals, but not all quadrilaterals are parallelograms.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Parallelogram and Quadrilateral?
  • Comparative Table: Parallelogram vs Quadrilateral

    • Comparative Table: Parallelogram vs Quadrilateral

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between a parallelogram and a quadrilateral:

    Feature Parallelogram Quadrilateral
    Definition A two-dimensional geometric structure with four sides, where opposite sides are equal in length and parallel. A two-dimensional structure with four sides.
    Parallel Sides Always has a pair of opposite sides that are parallel. Sometimes has parallel sides, but not always.
    Equal Sides Opposite sides are always equal in length. Opposite sides may not be equal in length.
    Angles Opposite angles are equal and congruent. Opposite angles may not be equal or congruent.
    Subgroups Parallelograms are a specific type of quadrilateral. Examples include rectangles, squares, and rhombuses. Other types of quadrilaterals include trapezoids and kites, which do not necessarily have parallel sides or congruent opposite angles.

    In summary, a parallelogram is a specific type of quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and equal opposite sides. Quadrilaterals, on the other hand, are more general and can have various properties and shapes, not just parallel sides and equal opposite sides.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.