Why is a square a quadrilateral, parallelogram, rectangle, AND rhombus?
How many names can one shape have? Let's find out together.
Here's a square. We'll discover every name that fits it.
First, count the sides. One, two, three, four.
Any closed shape with four straight sides is called a quadrilateral.
Look closely. The top and bottom sides go the same direction — they're parallel. So are the left and right.
When both pairs of opposite sides are parallel, the shape is a parallelogram.
Now check the corners. Each one is a perfect right angle — exactly ninety degrees.
A parallelogram with four right angles has another name: rectangle.
And every side is exactly the same length as the others.
A parallelogram with four equal sides is called a rhombus.
These names form a family tree, with the square at the very bottom.
So one square is a quadrilateral, a parallelogram, a rectangle, AND a rhombus — all at once!
Now you try. Choose the most specific name for this shape. Which name fits best?