Properties of Parallelograms

(sections 6-2 and 6-3of the Pearson e-book)

Theorem 1. Diagonal in the parallelogram divides this parallelogram into two congruent
triangles.
Q

R
4

Given:
1. Figure QRSP is the parallelogram:
and .
Prove:

Proof:
Statement
1. Consider
and

2.
3.
4.
5.
6. QS
7.

Reason (Explanation)
1. Look at the picture.
2. Given (because QRSP is a parallelogram.
3. As alternate interior angles at parallel lines
(see the theorem above).
4. Given (because QRSP is a parallelogram.
5. As alternate interior angles at parallel lines
(see the theorem above).
6. Reflexive property (this side belons to
both triangles.
7. Triangles are congruent by ASA theorem.
End of Theorem

This theorem gives possible to make several conclusions:

Conclusion 1:
as angles opposite the congruent sides in congruent triangles (they
are corresponding angles in these triangles). In other words, opposite angles in the
parallelogram are congruent.
Conclusion 2: Sides QR PS as sides opposite congruent angles in congruent triangles. The
same is true for sides PQ and RS they are also congruent. In other words, opposite sides in the
parallelogram are congruent.

It is possible to prove (try it) that the converse statements are also true. So, these conclusions can
be represented as theorems.
Theorem 2.

Theorem 3.

Special Parallelograms Rhombus, Rectangle, and Square

In other words:
-

Rhombus is an equilateral parallelogram

Rectangle is an equiangular parallelogram
Square is and equilateral and equiangular parallelogram

Theorem: In Rhombus diagonal are perpendicular

B

C
P

Given: ABCD is a rhombus AB = BC = CD = DA,

AB CD, BC DA
Prove: AC BD

Proof
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Statement
Consider APD and CPD
CD = DA
AP = PC
PD belongs to both triangles
APD = CPD
APD = CPD = x

7. mAPD + mCPD = 180

8. 2x = 180, so x =90
9. APD = CPD = 90

Explanation
1. Look at the picture
2. Given
3. In parallelogram diagonals bisect each other
4. See the picture
5. SSS theorem
6. Angles opposite congruent sides in congruent
triangles
7. Supplementary angles
8. Properties of equations
9. Diagonal are perpendicular
END OF THEOREM

It is possible to prove the following theorems

As Square is a equilateral and equiangular parallelogram, then all properties of Parallelogram, Rhombus,
and Rectangle are true for Square as well.