There are many geometric shapes, but two of the most basic are parallelogram and rectangle. Though they share some similarities, there are key differences between these shapes that you need to know.
What is Parallelogram?
- A parallelogram is a four-sided polygon with two pairs of parallel sides. The opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal in length, and the opposite angles are equal in measure. A quadrilateral with these properties is also known as a rectangle, and a parallelogram with them is also known as a rhombus. The area of a parallelogram is the product of its base and its height.
- The perimeter of a parallelogram is the sum of the lengths of its four sides. A parallelogram can be inscribed in a circle, making it a cyclic quadrilateral. It can also be decomposed into two triangles by connecting the midpoints of its non-parallel sides; this process is called “triangulation”.
- Parallelograms have many applications in mathematics, physics, and engineering because they are easy to recognize and simple to describe. For example, the following shapes are all parallelograms: squares, rectangles, rhombi, and kites. Many everyday objects are symmetric with respect to one or more axes of reflection; that is, they look the same after being reflected over certain lines.
What is Rectangle?
- A rectangle is a four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides. It is the most common shape in geometry, and its angles are all right angles (90 degrees). The word “rectangle” comes from the Latin rectangular, which literally means “right-angled shape.”
- One of the most famous rectangles in the world is the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The base of each pyramid is a rectangle, and the four sides rise up to meet at a point, forming a perfect right angle. Another famous rectangle is the American flag.
- The flag has a rectangular shape, and each of the thirteen stripes is also a rectangle. In art and design, rectangles are often used to create balance and harmony. For example, many paintings are rectangular in shape, and many photographs are also printed on rectangular paper. Rectangles can also be found in nature, such as in clouds, mountains, and leaves.
Difference between Parallelogram and Rectangle
A parallelogram is a four-sided polygon with two sets of parallel sides. A rectangle is a four-sided polygon with four right angles. All rectangles are parallelograms, but not all parallelograms are rectangles. The main difference between a parallelogram and a rectangle is that a parallelogram does not have to have four right angles. In fact, a parallelogram can have any angle as long as the opposite sides are parallel. Another way to think of it is that all rectangles are parallelograms, but not all parallelograms are rectangles.
Conclusion
The parallelogram and rectangle are two shapes that are often confused for one another. However, there is a key difference between the two shapes. A rectangle has four right angles, while a parallelogram only has two. Additionally, a rectangle’s length and width are of equal size, while a parallelogram’s sides can be of different lengths.
