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:

The sum of the angles of a rectangle is 360.

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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