Rectangle Definition

In Geometry, the different geometrical shapes are classified as 2D shapes and 3D shapes. The polygons are generally classified into three-sided polygon called triangle, four-sided polygon called quadrilaterals, five-sided polygon called pentagon and so on in the two-dimensional coordinate geometry. In this article, let us discuss one of the quadrilaterals called “Rectangle”. Here, the rectangle definition, formulas, properties are discussed in detail.

Rectangle Definition in Maths

A rectangle is a two-dimensional figure, which has four sides (Quadrilateral) and four corners/vertices. All the interior angles are equal, which measures 90 degrees. The opposite sides of a rectangle are parallel and are of equal measure. Two sides are said to be parallel to each other when the distance between the two points is equal at all the points. A rectangle is also called an equiangular quadrilateral.

Rectangle Formula

The formulas for rectangles are given below:

Area of a Rectangle

The area of a rectangle is defined by the product of the length and breadth (i.e.) the product of adjacent sides. Therefore,

Area of a rectangle, A = Length × Breadth Square units

Perimeter of a Rectangle

The sum of the four sides of a rectangle is called the perimeter of a rectangle. Since the opposite sides are parallel, the perimeter is given as twice the sum of length and breadth. Therefore,

The perimeter of a rectangle, P = 2 (Length + Breadth) units

Rectangle Properties

The important properties of the rectangle are

• A rectangle has four sides
• The opposite sides are parallel and of equal length
• All the interior angles of a rectangle are equal to 90 degrees
• The diagonals of a rectangle are of equal length and they bisect each other
• If the diagonals bisect each other at right angles, then the rectangle is called a square.

Video Lesson on Properties of rectangles

Rectangle Example

Question:

Find the area and the perimeter of a rectangle if the length is 4 cm and breadth is 2 cm.

Solution:

Given: Length = 4 cm

Breadth = 2 cm

Now, substitute the values in the formula,

Area of a rectangle, A = Length × Breadth Square units

Area = 4 × 2 = 8 cm²

Hence, the area of a rectangle is 8 square centimetres.

The perimeter of a rectangle, P = 2 (Length + Breadth) units

Perimeter = 2 ( 4 + 2)

Perimeter = 2 (6) = 12 cm

Thus, the perimeter of a rectangle is 12 cm.

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