QUADRILATERALS

Objectives:
1. To apply the definition of a parallelogram
2. To prove and apply theorems about the properties of parallelograms
3. To prove that certain quadrilaterals are parallelograms
4. To identify and apply special properties of a rectangle, square, and rhombus
5. To prove and apply theorems about isosceles trapezoids, medians of trapezoid, and the segment that
joins the midpoints of two sides of a triangle

Quadrilaterals are four sided polygons. They can be categorized by the special characteristics and
relationships of their sides and angles.

Let us name the general parts and state properties of any quadrilateral using PQRS.
 Consecutive vertices or adjacent vertices are vertices that are endpoints
of the same sides such as P and Q, Q and R, R and S, S and P.
 Consecutive sides or adjacent sides are sides that have a common
endpoint, such as ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑄 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ̅̅̅̅
𝑄𝑅 , ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅, ̅̅̅̅
𝑄𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑅𝑆 ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝑆 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑆𝑃, 𝑆𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑄.
 Opposite sides of a quadrilateral are sides that do not have a common
endpoint, such as ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑄 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑅𝑆̅̅̅̅ , ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅.
𝑆𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄𝑅
 Consecutive angles of a quadrilateral are angles whose vertices are
consecutive, such as ∠𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑄, ∠𝑄 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑅, ∠𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑆, ∠𝑆 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑃.
 Opposite angles of a quadrilateral are angles whose vertices are not
consecutive, such as ∠𝑃 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑅, ∠𝑄 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑆.
 A diagonal of a quadrilateral is a line segment whose endpoints are two nonadjacent vertices of the
quadrilateral, such as ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ̅̅̅̅𝑄𝑆.
 The sum of the measures of the angles of a quadrilateral is 360 degrees. Therefore, 𝑚∠𝑃 + 𝑚∠𝑄 +
𝑚∠𝑅 + 𝑚∠𝑆 = 360°.

THE PARALLELOGRAM

Definition
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral in which two pairs of opposite sides are parallel.
Quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram because 𝐴𝐵̅̅̅̅ ∥ 𝐶𝐷
̅̅̅̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐶
̅̅̅̅ ∥ 𝐷𝐴
̅̅̅̅.
The symbol for parallelogram ABCD is ABCD.
Theorem 1: A diagonal divides a parallelogram into two congruent triangles.

The following corollaries result from this theorem.

Corollary 1. Opposite sides of a parallelogram are congruent.
Corollary 2. Opposite angles of a parallelogram are congruent.

Theorem 2: Two consecutive angles of a parallelogram are supplementary.

Theorem 3: The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.

Definition
The distance between two parallel lines is the length of the perpendicular from any point on one line to
the other line.

Properties of a Parallelogram
1. Opposite sides are parallel.
2. A diagonal divides a parallelogram into two congruent triangles.
3. Opposite sides are congruent.
4. Opposite angles are congruent.
5. Consecutive angles are supplementary.
6. The diagonals bisect each other.

Example

PROVING THAT A QUADRILATERAL IS A PARALLELOGRAM

If we wish to prove that a certain quadrilateral is a parallelogram, we can do so by proving its opposite
sides are parallel, thus satisfying the definition of a parallelogram. Now we want to determine other ways of
proving that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram.

Theorem 4: if both pairs of opposite sides of a quadrilateral are congruent, the quadrilaterals is a
parallelogram.
Theorem 5: if one pair of opposite sides of a quadrilateral is both congruent and parallel, the quadrilateral is
a parallelogram.

Theorem 6: If both pairs of opposite angles of a quadrilateral are congruent, the quadrilateral is a
parallelogram.

Theorem 7: If the diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect each other, the quadrilateral is a parallelogram.

Note: Show the proof of theorem 7.

Summary
To prove that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, prove that any one of the following statements is true:
1. Both pairs of opposite sides are parallel.
2. Both pairs of opposite sides are congruent.
3. One pair of opposite sides is both congruent and parallel.
4. Both pairs of opposite angles are congruent.
Example

THE RECTANGLE

Definition
A rectangle is a parallelogram containing one right angle.
If one angle ∠𝐴, of a parallelogram ABCD is a right angle, then ABCD is a rectangle.
Any side of a rectangle may be called the base of the rectangle. Thus, if side ̅̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is taken as the base,
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅̅
then either side, 𝐴𝐷 𝑜𝑟𝐵𝐶 , is called the altitude of the rectangle.
Since a rectangle is a special kind of parallelogram, a rectangle has all the properties of a parallelogram.

Theorem 8: All angles of a rectangles are right angles.

Theorem 9: the diagonals of a rectangle are congruent.

Note: Prove theorem 9.

Properties of a Rectangle
1. A rectangle has all the properties of a parallelogram.
2. A rectangle has four right angles and is therefore equiangular.
3. The diagonals of a rectangle are congruent.

Proving That a Quadrilateral Is a Rectangle

Theorem 10: If a quadrilateral is equiangular, then it is a rectangle.

Theorem 11: of the diagonals of a parallelogram are congruent, the parallelogram is a rectangle.

Summary
To prove that a quadrilateral is a rectangle, prove that any one of the following statements is true:
1. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram with one right angle.
2. The quadrilateral is equiangular.
3. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram whose diagonals are congruent.
Examples.

THE RHOMBUS
Definition
A rhombus is a parallelogram that has two congruent consecutive sides.
̅̅̅̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐷
If the consecutive sides 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑠𝑚 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 are congruent (that is, if 𝐴𝐵̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐴𝐷
̅̅̅̅ ), then
ABCD is a rhombus.
Since a rhombus is a special kind of parallelogram, a rhombus has all the properties of a parallelogram.
In addition, we can prove three special properties for the rhombus.
Theorem 12: All sides of a rhombus are congruent.
Theorem 13: The diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular to each other.

Theorem 14: The diagonals of a rhombus bisect its angles.

Properties of a Rhombus
1. A rhombus has all the properties of a parallelogram.
2. A rhombus is equilateral.
3. The diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular to each other.
4. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect its angles.

Methods of Proving That a Quadrilateral Is a Rhombus

We prove that a quadrilateral is a rhombus by showing that it has the special properties of a rhombus.

Theorem 15: If a quadrilateral is equilateral, then it is a rhombus

Theorem 16: If the diagonals of a parallelogram are perpendicular to each other, the parallelogram is a
rhombus.
Summary
To prove that a quadrilateral is a rhombus, prove that any one of the following statements is true:
1. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram with two congruent consecutive sides.
2. The quadrilateral is equilateral.
3. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram whose diagonals are perpendicular to each other.

Example

THE SQUARE

Definition
A square is a rectangle that has two congruent consecutive sides.

If consecutive sides ̅ ∠ 𝐴𝐵
̅̅̅̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐷
̅̅̅̅ of a rectangle ABCD are congruent (that is, if 𝐴𝐵
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐴𝐷
̅̅̅̅ ), then the
rectangle ABCD is a square.

Theorem 17: A square is an equilateral quadrilateral.

Theorem 18: A square is a rhombus.

Properties of a Square
1. A square has all the properties of a rectangle.
2. A square has all the properties of a rhombus.

Methods of Proving That a Quadrilateral Is a Square

We prove that a quadrilateral is a rhombus by showing that it has the special properties of a square.

Theorem 19: If one of the angles of a rhombus is a right angle, then the rhombus is q square.

Summary
To prove that q quadrilateral is q square, prove either of the following statements:
1. The quadrilateral is a rectangle in which two consecutive sides are congruent.
2. The quadrilateral is a rhombus one of whose angles is a right angle.

Example

THE TRAPEZOID

Definition
A trapezoid is q quadrilateral in which two and only two sides are parallel.
̅̅̅̅ ∥ 𝐷𝐶
If 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐷
̅̅̅̅ is not parallel to because 𝐵𝐶
̅̅̅̅ , then quadrilaterals
ABCD is a trapezoid. The parallel sides, because ̅̅̅̅𝐴𝐵 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐶 , are called the bases of the
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
trapezoid; the nonparallel sides, 𝐴𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐶 ,are called the legs of the trapezoid.
THE ISOSCELES TRAPEZOID and ITS PROPERTIES

Definition
An isosceles trapezoid in which the nonparallel sides are congruent.

̅̅̅̅ ∥ 𝑄𝑅
If 𝑇𝑆 ̅̅̅̅ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑄𝑇
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑅𝑆
̅̅̅̅, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 QRST is an isosceles trapezoid. The angles whose vertices are
the endpoints of a base are called base angles. Here ∠𝑄 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑅 are one pair of base angles
because Q and R are endpoints of base ̅̅̅̅ 𝑄𝑅 . Also, ∠𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝑆 are second pair of base angles
because T and S are endpoints of base 𝑇𝑆 ̅̅̅̅.

Proving That a Quadrilateral Is an Isosceles Trapezoid

Theorem 20: If a trapezoid is isosceles, then the base angles are congruent.
Theorem 20.a: A trapezoid is isosceles if and only if the base angles are congruent.
Theorem 21. If a trapezoid is isosceles, then the diagonals are congruent.
Theorem 21.a.: If the diagonals of a trapezoid are congruent, then the trapezoid is isosceles.
Theorem 21 b. A trapezoid is isosceles id and only if the diagonals are congruent.
Theorem 22: The median of a trapezoid is parallel to the bases.
Theorem 23: The length of the median of a trapezoid is equal to one-half the sum of the lengths of the bases.
Example
KITES

Definition
A kite is a quadrilateral with two pairs of adjacent sides equal.

All kites possess the following properties:

1. Two pairs of adjacent sides of a kite are equal
2. One diagonal of a kite bisects the other diagonal
3. One diagonal of a kite bisects the opposite angles
4. The diagonals of a kite are perpendicular
5. A kite has at least one axis of symmetry

Exercises
A. In 1-3, ABCD is a parallelogram.
1. The degree measure of ∠𝐴 is represented by 2𝑥 − 20 and the degree
measure of ∠𝐵 𝑏𝑦 2𝑥. Find the value of 𝑥, of 𝑚∠𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚∠𝐵.
2. The measure of ∠𝐴 is 30 degrees less than twice the measure of ∠𝐵. Find
the measure of each angle of the parallelogram.
3. If 𝐴𝐵 = 4𝑥 + 7 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐷 = 3𝑥 + 12, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐷.
4. ABCD is a quadrilateral with ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ∥ ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐶. Prove that ABCD is a
parallelogram.
In 5-7, the diagonals of rectangle ABCD intersect at E.
5. Prove that ∆𝐴𝐵𝐸 is isosceles.
6. 𝐴𝐶 = 4𝑥 + 6 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐷 = 5𝑥 − 2. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐶, 𝐵𝐷, 𝐴𝐸, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐸.
7. 𝑚∠𝐴𝐸𝐵 = 3𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚∠𝐷𝐸𝐶 = 𝑥 +
80. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑚∠𝐴𝐸𝐵, 𝑚∠𝐷𝐸𝐶, 𝑚∠𝐴𝐸𝐵, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚∠𝐶𝐴𝐷.
8. Maria said that the diagonals of a rhombus separate the rhombus into four
congruent right triangles. Do you agree with Maria? Explain why or why not.
In 9-12, the diagonals of rhombus ABCD intersect at E.
9. Name four congruent line segments.
10. Name two pairs of congruent line segment.
11. Name a pair of perpendicular line segments.
12. Name four right angles.
In 13-14, the diagonals of square ABCD intersect at M.
13. If 𝐴𝐶 = 3𝑥 + 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵𝐷 = 7𝑥 − 10, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐶, 𝐵𝐷, 𝐴𝑀, 𝐵𝑀, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝐴.
14. If 𝑚∠𝐴𝑀𝐷 = 𝑥 + 2𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 2𝑥 − 𝑦, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦.
15. Find the area of a rectangle whose vertices are (0,0), (8,0), (0,5)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (8,5).
16. Two consecutive angles of a parallelogram measures (3𝑥 + 42)𝑎𝑛𝑑 (9𝑥 − 18).
What are the measures of the angles.
17. The four angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5 : 6. Find the angles.
18. Construct a rhombus PAIR, given that PA = 6 cm and angle ∠A = 110°.
B. Tell whether each statement is true or false.
1. All squares are rhombuses.
2. Every trapezoid is a rectangle.
3. Squares are special parallelograms.
4. All quadrilaterals are squares.
5. All rhombuses are rectangles.
6. Every trapezoid is a quadrilateral.
7. Rhombuses are special parallelograms.
8. All rectangles are quadrilaterals.
9. All parallelograms are trapezoids.
10. A square is a rectangle.
11. Diagonals of a rhombus are equal and perpendicular to each other.
12. Diagonals of a rectangle are equal.
13. If diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect each other, it must be a parallelogram.
14. A quadrilateral can be constructed uniquely if three angles and any two sides are given.
15. A parallelogram can be constructed uniquely if both diagonals and the angle between them is given.
C. Proving
1. Prove that a rectangles has four right angles.
2. Prove that a rhombus has four congruent sides.
3. Prove that the diagonal of a square are perpendicular.
4. Given: 𝑌𝑇𝑂𝑁
Prove: ̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑂 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑁𝑌 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑌 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑁𝑂