Rectangle ABCD: Are the Diagonals Perpendicular to Each Other?

Rectangle Properties with Diagonal Relationships

True or false:

The diagonals of rectangle ABCD are perpendicular to each other.

AAABBBCCCDDDOOO

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

True or false:

The diagonals of rectangle ABCD are perpendicular to each other.

AAABBBCCCDDDOOO

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine whether the diagonals of rectangle ABCDABCD are perpendicular, we need to recall the geometric properties of a rectangle. In a rectangle, the diagonals are congruent, which means they have the same length, but they are not inherently perpendicular. An exception occurs only if the rectangle is also a square, as squares have perpendicular diagonals.

Let's review the properties:

  • Each diagonal divides the rectangle into two congruent right triangles.
  • The diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length: AC=BDAC = BD.
  • The diagonals are not perpendicular; they do not intersect at right angles unless the rectangle is a square.

Since there is no information provided that suggests rectangle ABCDABCD is a square, we conclude based on standard rectangle properties that the diagonals ACAC and BDBD are not perpendicular.

Thus, the statement "The diagonals of rectangle ABCDABCD are perpendicular to each other" is False.

3

Final Answer

False

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rectangle Rule: Diagonals are equal in length but NOT perpendicular
  • Technique: Only squares have perpendicular diagonals, rectangles do not
  • Check: Verify by recalling that perpendicular diagonals mean it's a square ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming all rectangle diagonals are perpendicular
    Don't assume diagonals ACAC and BDBD are perpendicular = wrong conclusion! This confuses rectangles with squares. Always remember that only squares (special rectangles) have perpendicular diagonals.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

True or false?

One of the angles in a rectangle may be an acute angle.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between rectangle and square diagonals?

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In a rectangle, diagonals are equal in length but intersect at angles that are NOT 90°. In a square, diagonals are equal AND perpendicular (meet at 90° angles).

Are rectangle diagonals equal to each other?

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Yes! Rectangle diagonals AC=BDAC = BD are always equal in length. This is a key property that distinguishes rectangles from general parallelograms.

When would rectangle diagonals be perpendicular?

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Rectangle diagonals are perpendicular only when the rectangle is also a square. If all four sides are equal, then it's a square with perpendicular diagonals.

How can I remember this property?

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Think: Rectangle = Equal diagonals, Square = Equal AND perpendicular diagonals. Squares are special rectangles with the extra property of perpendicular diagonals!

What angle do rectangle diagonals actually make?

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The angle depends on the rectangle's dimensions. For a rectangle with sides a and b, the diagonals meet at angles that are not 90° unless a = b (making it a square).

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