Parallelograms

The term ‘parallelogram’ was derived from the Greek word ‘parallelogrammon’ which stands for “bounded by parallel lines”. Hence, a parallelogram is a quadrilateral that is bounded by parallel lines. It is a shape in which the opposite sides are parallel and equal. Parallelograms are classified into three main types: square, rectangle, and rhombus, and each of them has its own unique properties. In this section, we will learn about a parallelogram, how to find the area of a parallelogram and other aspects related to a parallelogram along with the solved examples.

A parallelogram is a special kind of quadrilateral that is formed by parallel lines. The angle between the adjacent sides of a parallelogram may vary but the opposite sides need to be parallel for it to be a parallelogram. A quadrilateral will be a parallelogram if its opposite sides parallel and congruent. Hence, a parallelogram is defined as a quadrilateral in which both pairs of opposite sides are parallel and equal. Observe the following figure which shows the three types of parallelograms:

There are some basic properties that help us to identify a parallelogram. Observe the following parallelogram PQTR to relate to its properties given below.

We can identify and distinguish a parallelogram with the help of the following properties:

• The opposites sides of a parallelogram are parallel. Here, PQ ‖ RT and PR ‖ QT.
• The opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal. Here, PQ = RT and PR = QT
• The opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal. Here, ∠P = ∠T and ∠Q = ∠R
• The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other. Here, RE = EQ and PE = ET
• Same-side interior angles supplement each other. Here, ∠PRT + ∠RTQ = 180^∘, ∠RTQ + ∠TQP = 180^∘, ∠TQP + ∠QPR = 180^∘, ∠QPR + ∠PRT = 180^∘
• The diagonals divide the parallelogram into two congruent triangles. Here, ΔRPQ is congruent to ΔQTR, and ΔRPT is congruent to ΔQTP

A parallelogram can be divided into various types depending upon the different properties. It is mainly divided into three special types: 

• Rectangle
• Square
• Rhombus

Let us study these parallelograms in detail.

Rectangle

A rectangle is a parallelogram with two pairs of equal and parallel opposite sides and four right angles.

Observe the rectangle ABCD to relate it with the following properties. A rectangle has:

• Two pairs of parallel sides. Here, AB || DC and AD || BC
• Four right angles. Here, ∠A = ∠B = ∠C = ∠D = 90^∘
• Opposite sides of equal lengths. Here, AB = DC and AD = BC
• Two equal diagonals. Here, AC = BD
• Diagonals that bisect each other.

Square

A square is a parallelogram with four equal sides and four right angles.

Observe the square ABCD to relate it with the following properties. A square has:

• Four equal sides. Here, AB = BC = CD = DA
• Four right angles. Here, ∠A = ∠B = ∠C = ∠D = 90^∘
• Two pairs of parallel sides. Here, AB || DC and AD || BC
• Two equal diagonals. Here, AC = BD 
• Diagonals that are perpendicular to each other. Here, AC⊥BD
• Diagonals that bisect each other.

Rhombus

A rhombus is a parallelogram with four equal sides in which the opposite angles are equal.

Observe the rhombus EFGH to relate it with the following properties. A rhombus has:

• Two pairs of parallel sides. Here, EH || FG and EF || HG
• Four equal sides. Here, EH = HG = GF= FE
• Equal opposite angles. Here, ∠E = ∠G and ∠H = ∠F
• Diagonals that are perpendicular to each other. Here, EG⊥HF
• Diagonals that bisect each other.

The area of a parallelogram is the space enclosed between the four sides of a parallelogram. It can be calculated if we know the length of the base and the height of the parallelogram and it is measured in square units like cm², m², and inch². Observe the following parallelogram which shows the base and the height.

Consider the parallelogram PQRS with base (b) and height (h). The area of the parallelogram is calculated with the help of the formula: Area of Parallelogram = Base (b) × Height (h)

Related Topics:

Check out the following articles related to parallelograms.

• Measurement
• Perimeter
• Square
• Area

What is the Difference Between a Parallelogram and a Quadrilateral?

All parallelograms are quadrilaterals but all quadrilaterals are not necessarily parallelograms. For example, a trapezoid is a quadrilateral, but not a parallelogram. For a quadrilateral to be a parallelogram, all the opposite sides must be parallel and equal to each other.

What is the Perimeter of Parallelogram?

A parallelogram is a special kind of quadrilateral in which the opposite sides are parallel and equal. The perimeter of a parallelogram is the sum of the length of all its sides and it is calculated with the help of the formula: Perimeter = 2(a + b); where 'a' and 'b' are the two sides of the parallelogram.

What is the Area of Parallelogram Formula?

The formula for the area of a parallelogram is: Area = b × h; where 'b' is the length of the base of the parallelogram, and 'h' is the height of the parallelogram.

Is a Rhombus a Parallelogram?

Yes, a rhombus is a parallelogram in which the opposite sides are parallel and the opposite angles are congruent. Apart from this, all the sides of a rhombus are equal and the diagonals bisect each other at right angles.

Is a Trapezoid a Parallelogram?

No, a trapezoid is not a parallelogram, since all opposite sides of the trapezoid are not parallel to each other. A trapezoid has only one pair of opposite sides parallel to each other. Also, a trapezoid doesn't have opposite sides equal to each other. Hence, it is a quadrilateral but not a parallelogram.

Is a Rectangle a Parallelogram?

Yes, a rectangle is a parallelogram in which the opposite sides are parallel and equal. Apart from this, all the angles of a rectangle are congruent and it has equal diagonals that bisect each other.

What is the Difference Between Trapezoid and Parallelogram?

A trapezoid is different from a parallelogram since all the opposite sides of a trapezoid are not parallel to each other. A trapezoid has only one pair of opposite sides parallel to each other.