What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

In this publication, we will consider the definition, properties and features (with drawings) of one of the main geometric shapes – a parallelogram.

Content

Definition of a parallelogram

Parallelogram is a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are pairwise parallel.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

AB || CD, BC || AD

A parallelogram is usually written by listing its four vertices, for example, ABCD. And pairs of parallel sides, most often, are indicated by small Latin letters, in our case – a и b.

Special cases of a parallelogram: , and .

Parallelogram Properties

Property 1

Opposite (or opposite) sides of a parallelogram are equal.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

  • AB = CD
  • BC = AD

Property 2

Opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

  • ∠ABC = ∠ADC
  • ∠BAD = ∠BCD

Property 3

The sum of the angles of a parallelogram adjacent to one side is 180°.

For the picture above: α + β = 180°.

Property 4

Any of the two diagonals of a parallelogram divides it into two equal triangles.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

△ABC = △ADC

Property 5

The diagonals of a parallelogram at the point of intersection are bisected.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

  • AE = EC
  • BE = ED

Property 6

The point of intersection of the diagonals of a parallelogram (also called the center of symmetry) is also the point of intersection of its midlines.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

Middle line of the quadrilateral is a line segment that connects the midpoints of its opposite sides.

In this case, the middle lines are segments FM и EN.

Property 7

The angle between two heights in a parallelogram is equal to its acute angle.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

  • BL – height drawn to the side CD
  • BK – height driven to the side AD
  • ∠KBL = ∠BAK

Property 8

The bisectors of the angles of a parallelogram adjacent to one side are mutually perpendicular (i.e., located at an angle of 90 ° to each other).

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

  • AP – bisector ∠BAD
  • BR – bisector ∠ABC
  • AP perpendicular BR

Property 9

Bisectors of two opposite angles of a parallelogram are parallel.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

Corners ABC и ADC opposite. Their bisectors are parallel, i.e. BR || DP.

Property 10: parallelogram identity

The sum of the squares of the diagonals of a parallelogram is twice the sum of the squares of its adjacent sides.

What is a parallelogram: definition, properties, features

Symptoms of a parallelogram

Quadrangle ABCD without self-intersections is a parallelogram if one of the following statements is true for it:

  • Two opposite sides are both equal and parallel.
  • All opposite angles are equal in pairs.
  • All opposite sides are equal.
  • All opposite sides are pairwise parallel.
  • Both diagonals at the point of intersection are divided in half.

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