Rectangle vs. Trapezoid: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 29, 2024
A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles and opposite sides equal, while a trapezoid (or trapezium) is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
Key Differences
A rectangle is a parallelogram with four right angles, making it a specific type of quadrilateral. A trapezoid, on the other hand, is defined by having only one pair of parallel sides and does not generally have right angles.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
In a rectangle, opposite sides are not only parallel but also equal in length, contributing to its symmetry. A trapezoid's only requirement is one pair of parallel sides, with the other sides not necessarily being equal or parallel.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length and width. For a trapezoid, the area is calculated as the average of the two parallel sides (the bases) multiplied by the height.
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Jan 29, 2024
The diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length and bisect each other. In a trapezoid, diagonals are generally not equal and do not bisect each other at right angles.
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Jan 29, 2024
Rectangles are commonly seen in everyday objects like books and screens, known for their regularity. Trapezoids are often used in truss designs or architecture, where irregular shapes are needed.
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Jan 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Diagonals
Equal length, bisect each other
Generally not equal, do not bisect each other
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Jan 29, 2024
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Rectangle and Trapezoid Definitions
Rectangle
A rectangle is a parallelogram with opposite sides equal and parallel.
The table's top is a rectangle.
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Trapezoid
In geometry, a trapezoid is a four-sided figure with two sides not parallel.
The student drew a trapezoid for her geometry assignment.
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Rectangle
A rectangle is a quadrilateral where diagonals are equal and bisect each other.
The artist drew a rectangle as the base for her design.
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Trapezoid
A trapezoid can be symmetrical if it is an isosceles trapezoid.
The isosceles trapezoid had two equal non-parallel sides.
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Rectangle
A rectangle is a four-sided shape with all right angles.
The window was shaped like a perfect rectangle.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
The architect designed a trapezoid-shaped garden.
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Rectangle
A rectangle is a common geometric shape found in everyday objects.
Her phone had a rectangular shape.
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Trapezoid
A trapezoid's area is calculated as half the product of the sum of its parallel sides and the height.
Calculating the area of the trapezoid required knowing its height.
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Jan 03, 2024
Rectangle
In geometry, a rectangle is defined by four right angles and equal opposite sides.
The math problem involved calculating the area of a rectangle.
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Rectangle
(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
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Trapezoid
(Anatomy) A small bone in the wrist, situated near the base of the index finger.
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Rectangle
(nontechnical) Such a quadrilateral that is oblong (longer than it is wide): one that is not regular (equilateral), that is, any except a square.
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Jan 02, 2024
Trapezoid
(Sports) An area in the shape of a trapezoid marked behind the goal line and the goal in ice hockey, where the goalie is allowed to play the puck.
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Rectangle
A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
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Jan 02, 2024
Trapezoid
A plane four-sided figure, having two sides parallel to each other.
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Trapezoid
A bone of the carpus at the base of the second metacarpal, or index finger.
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Trapezoid
Having the form of a trapezoid; trapezoidal; as, the trapezoid ligament which connects the coracoid process and the clavicle.
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Trapezoid
Of or pertaining to the trapezoid ligament; as, the trapezoid line.
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Trapezoid
Trapezoids are used in construction and architecture for their unique shape.
The bridge featured trapezoid-shaped supports.
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Jan 03, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What defines a rectangle?
A rectangle is defined by having four right angles and opposite sides of equal length.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
What is a trapezoid?
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
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Jan 29, 2024
How is the area of a trapezoid calculated?
Half the sum of the parallel sides multiplied by the height.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
How do you calculate the area of a rectangle?
Multiply its length by its width.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is an isosceles trapezoid?
A trapezoid with two non-parallel sides of equal length.
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Jan 29, 2024
Are rectangles used in architecture?
Yes, they are commonly used due to their regular shape.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is a square a rectangle?
Yes, a square is a special type of rectangle with all sides equal.
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Jan 29, 2024
Do the diagonals of a trapezoid bisect each other?
Not necessarily, and they are generally not equal.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is the difference in diagonals between a rectangle and a trapezoid?
Rectangle diagonals are equal and bisect each other; trapezoid diagonals generally do not.
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Jan 29, 2024
Are all rectangles parallelograms?
Yes, since they have two pairs of parallel sides.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can a trapezoid have non-parallel sides of equal length?
Yes, in an isosceles trapezoid.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is a trapezoid considered a regular polygon?
No, because its sides and angles are not all equal.
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Jan 29, 2024
Where are trapezoids commonly seen?
In architectural designs and bridge constructions.
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Jan 29, 2024
What makes a trapezoid unique in geometry?
Its single pair of parallel sides sets it apart from other quadrilaterals.
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Jan 29, 2024
What are real-world examples of rectangles?
Books, screens, and doors are often rectangular.
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Jan 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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