Properties of Parallelograms

Definition

 Parallelogram – a quadrilateral with both pairs

of opposite sides parallel.
 Theorem: Opposite Sides

 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then

its opposite sides are congruent.
Q R

P S

PQ  RS and SP  QR
 Theorem: Opposite Angles

 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its

opposite angles are congruent.
Q R

P S

P  R and Q  S
 Theorem: Consecutive
Angles
 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its
consecutive angles are supplementary.
Q R

P S

mP + mQ = 180, mQ + mR = 180,

mR + mS = 180, mS + mP = 180
 Theorem: Bisecting
Diagonals
 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then
its diagonals bisect each other.
Q R

M
P S

QM  SM and PM  RM
 Example 1

FHGJ is a parallelogram. Find the unknown length.

JG= F 5 H
JK= 3
K
J G
JG = FH (opposite sides of a parallelogram are )
JG = 5
JK = HK (diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other)
JK = 3
 Example 2

 PQRS is a parallelogram. Find the angle measure.

mR = Q R
mQ =
65
P S
mR = 65 (opp. angles of a parallelogram are )
mQ = 180 - 65 (consecutive angles are supp.)
mQ = 115
 Example 3

ABCD is a parallelogram. Find x.

A D

3x 120
B C
3x + 120 = 180
3x = 60
x = 20
 Summarizer

 Name 5 properties of parallelograms

1. opposite sides parallel
2. opposite sides congruent
3. opposite angles congruent
4. consecutive angles supplementary
5. diagonals bisect each other