Which quadrilateral is a trapezoid

Shape: Trapezoid. Shape: Trapezoid Topics: Mathematical Language. Mathematical Domain: Geometry. Meaning A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides. Classifying trapezoids Parallelograms with special features, like right angles or all congruent sides or both , are given their own distinctive names: rectangle, rhombus, and square.

Related posts. The inclusive definition states that a trapezoid has at least one pair of opposite sides parallel. Sometimes people say trapezoids "have one pair of opposite sides parallel," which leaves it ambiguous whether there can be more than one or not.

The second part of the task pushes students to be clear about which version they intend. Because of the care students need to take with definitions, this task draws heavily on MP6, Attend to precision. After students have articulated definitions for themselves or with a partner, the class should discuss the definition together. The class should decide on a single definition that they all agree on, as the point of having clearly articulated definitions is that we all know we are talking about the same thing.

While both definitions are legitimate, the benefit to the inclusive definition is that any theorem proved true for a trapezoid is also true for a parallelogram.

The inclusive definition sets up a relationship between parallelograms and trapezoids that is exactly analogous to to the relationship between squares and rectangles; the definition for rectangles includes squares in the same way that the inclusive definition of trapezoids includes parallelograms. Note: if students come up with different definitions, that is fine initially. However, in order to be able to discuss mathematical ideas going forward, the class should settle on one of these versions and go from there.

Geometry Quadrilaterals Quadrilaterals. Truong-Son N. Nov 12, Are the qualities of a quadrilateral sufficient to describe a trapezoid? Well, from these questions we have: No. A trapezoid is defined as a quadrilateral with two parallel sides. Therefore, the quality of "quadrilateral" is necessary, and this condition is satisfied.

Any other shape can have four sides , but if it does not have at least two parallel sides, it cannot be a trapezoid. An easy counterexample is a boomerang , which has exactly four sides, but none of them are parallel. Therefore, the qualities of a quadrilateral do not sufficiently describe a trapezoid and this condition is not satisfied.