Grade 7 → Practical Geometry → Construction of Quadrilaterals ↓
Quadrilaterals Given Side Lengths and Angles
Quadrilaterals are four-sided polygons that can take various shapes. In practical geometry, especially at the grade 7 level, constructing quadrilaterals when given side lengths and angles is a basic skill. These constructions help students understand geometric principles in a practical way. In this section, we will take a closer look at how to construct quadrilaterals when given specific side lengths and angles.
Understanding quadrilaterals
A quadrilateral is simply a polygon with four edges (or sides) and four vertices (or corners). Common types of quadrilaterals include squares, rectangles, trapezoids, rhombuses, and parallelograms. But there are countless other possible quadrilaterals if we don’t limit ourselves to these categories.
Basic properties
- A quadrilateral has four sides, four angles and the sum of its interior angles is always
360°
. - Depending on the angles and side lengths, the shape and properties of a quadrilateral can vary widely.
Construction with given side lengths and angles
When drawing a quadrilateral where the lengths of some sides and angles are given, there are certain steps that must be followed. Usually, you will be given the lengths of all four sides and the measurement of at least one angle. Let’s explore this through detailed examples and visual representations.
Step-by-step construction guide
Example 1: Construction of quadrilateral ABCD
Suppose you are provided with the following information:
- AB = 5 cm
- BC = 4 cm
- CD = 6 cm
- DA = 7 cm
- Angle A = 90°
Follow these steps to construct this quadrilateral:
Step 1: Make the base
Start by drawing the base AB. Use the ruler to draw a straight line segment AB equal to 5 cm.
Step 2: Construct angle A
Using the protractor, construct an angle A = 90° at point A. This will help you align the side AD.
Step 3: Draw the line AD
Draw a line AD measuring 7 cm from point A using a ruler, forming a right angle.
Step 4: Complete the quadrilateral
To complete the quadrilateral, follow these additional steps:
- Using the length of BC (4 cm), measure and mark point C from point B.
- Join points C and D using the remaining side, making sure the length of CD is 6 cm.
Verification of construction
Double-check the length of each side using a ruler and make sure the angles are measured correctly with the protractor. The sum of all angles should be 360°
.
Examples with other given angles
Example 2: Two given angles
Sometimes, instead of providing one angle, two angles can be provided along with the length of the sides. For example, let us consider:
- AB = 5 cm, BC = 4 cm, CD = 6 cm, DA = 7 cm
- Angle A = 60°, Angle B = 120°
In this case, the process begins in a similar way, but will require careful planning around the given angles. Draw AB, then use the protractor to mark the angle A = 60°. Measure and mark AD = 7 cm. From A, adjust the protractor to help identify the direction of DA. Next, use the protractor at point B to mark the angle B = 120° and proceed accordingly.
Visual representation
Completion of construction
Finally, adjust and measure from C to D, making sure that CD = 6 cm. Verify the opposite angles and sides to accurately complete the quadrilateral. Always verify that the sum of the angle measures is 360°
.
Practice problems
To get good at constructing quadrilaterals with given side lengths and angles, practice with different dimensions:
Problem 1
- AB = 8 cm, BC = 6 cm, CD = 5 cm, DA = 7 cm
- Angle A = 90°
Problem 2
- AB = 10 cm, BC = 8 cm, CD = 6 cm, DA = 9 cm
- Angle A = 85°, Angle C = 100°
Solve these problems step by step, as in the examples above, and verify your quadrilateral construction using a ruler and protractor.
Conclusion
Constructing quadrilaterals given their side lengths and angles is a crucial component of understanding geometry at a foundational level. Using clear step-by-step procedures, proper use of tools like rulers and protractors, and constant practice, anyone can master this aspect of practical geometry. Remember, performing each step correctly ensures that the quadrilateral will be accurate and reflect the given measurements and angles.