Discovering Quadrilaterals, Parallelograms, and Rectangles

In the two applets below there are two different figures constructed. Use the two applets below to discover some characteristics of each figure and see how they are different. Then, answer the questions that follow.

1.) Using Google, search for and define the term "quadrilateral."

Quadrilateral ABCD

Characteristics of PARALLELOGRAMS

2.) Using google search for and define the term "parallelogram."

Parallelogram ABCD

Manipulate the parallelogram above by moving points A and B. Then, answer the questions listed below.

3.) What do you notice about the opposite angle measures in the parallelogram as compared to the quadrilateral? (A and C, B and D)

4.) What do you notice about the consecutive angle measures in the parallelogram as compared to the quadrilateral? (A and B, B and C, C and D, D and A)

5.) What do you notice about the side lengths in the parallelogram as compared to the quadrilateral?

6.) What do you notice about the diagonals in the parallelogram as compared to the quadrilateral?

7.) Summarize what you learned about the parts in a parallelogram by selecting all TRUE statements from below.

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
Check my answer (3)

Characteristics of RECTANGLES

8.) Use Google to search for and define the term "rectangle."

Rectangle ABCD

9.) Using the applet above, check off the characteristics of rectangles.

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
Check my answer (3)

10.) What are some characteristics that are true for rectangles but NOT for parallelograms?

11.) a.) Do you think that all rectangles are also parallelograms? Explain your answer.  b.) Do you think that all parallelograms are also rectangles? Explain your answer.