Quadrilaterals are an important part of mathematics syllabi in colleges, schools, and even
universities. It is always a doubt for students what actually a quadrilateral is. Quadrilaterals
are one of the most important topics of arithmetic math’s. Arithmetic moths is incomplete
without having a topic of quadrilaterals. Quadrilaterals are one of the most significant topics
of mathematics that is asked at almost all levels of studies. Such as in primary classes,
secondary classes, graduation courses, or even in master’s courses. It is an important topic
that cannot be ignored by students. Therefore, as a math student, you must properly
comprehend arithmetic ideas in order to answer geometrical problems with ease.
Before moving to the various types of quadrilaterals and their examples, first, it is important
to understand the actual meaning of quadrilaterals or o understand basically what is
quadrilateral. It is important to understand the features or properties of quadrilaterals.
The word quadrilateral is a Latin word that means to have four sides. Hence, Quadra means
four, and lateral means having sides. A quadrilateral is an essential part of geometry in
mathematics. It is an important geometrical concept that every student needs to know and
learn about it. Quadrilaterals are basically closed shape that is formed when any four points
were joined with each other. In other words, it can be said that a quadrilateral is a type of
polygon and a closed shape that has four sides, four angles, and four vertices also. However,
it should be noted that in a quadrilateral, only three points are non-colinear.
Therefore, a quadrilateral is a type of polygon that has four sides. Quadrilaterals are used in
planar geometry in the calculation of sides of polygons, angles, or surfaces of polygons.
There are several types of quadrilaterals that are discussed below.
Properties of Quadrilaterals
Like any geometrical shape, even quadrilaterals also have some basic properties that make
them different from other geometrical shapes. The properties of quadrilaterals include-
They have four edges Having four sides as well
The interior angles of a quadrilateral make a sum of 360 degrees.
Along with this, it is also important to note that these are the basic and general properties of a
quadrilateral. Different quadrilaterals have different and additional properties. So, let’s learn
the various types of quadrilaterals that come in arithmetic math’s.
Types of Quadrilaterals
Some of the common types of quadrilaterals are as follows-
Square
A square has four equal sides, and the sum of all the angles is 90 degrees. The diagonal of the
square is perpendicular to one another and it bisects each other at 90-degree or right angles.
opposite sides of the square are parallel to one another. The opposite sides of the square are
parallel to one another.
Trapezium
A trapezium is a quadrilateral that has a pair of opposite sides that are parallel to one another.
Apart from this, they have different angles which have a sum of 360 degrees.
Rectangle
A rectangle is a type of quadrilateral that has a pair of two equal sides that are parallel to each
other. All the angles of the rectangle have a sum of 90 degrees. The rectangle also has two
diagonals that are equal and bisects each other at 90 degrees.
Kite
A kite is a type of quadrilateral that has two pairs on each side and it is made up of two sides
of equal length. The angle where the drawn line by the pairs of two meets is always 90
degrees or we can say the right angle. One diagonal of the kite cuts the other one in half.
Rhombus
A rhombus is a quadrilateral that has four sides where all the lengths of all the sides are
equal. On the other hand, opposite sides, as well as opposite angles of a rhombus, are equal.
The diagonals of a rhombus meet at right angles or at 90 degrees.
Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a type of quadrilateral in which both the pairs of opposite sides are parallel
to each other. All the sides of a parallelogram are opposite to each other and are equal in
length. The opposite angles of parallelograms are also equal to each other.
Example Questions of Quadrilateral
In the question, values of angles are given except for any one angle. Students have to
compute the value of the final angle of the quadrilateral.
In the question, lengths of the diagonals are given and students have to compute the total area
of the quadrilateral.