A kite shape has two pairs of adjacent sides equal in length.
Level 3-4 Shapes - Quadrilaterals
Explore quadrilaterals in KS3 maths. Identify squares, rectangles, parallelograms, kites, and trapeziums; compare sides, angles, diagonals, and symmetry to classify shapes and solve perimeter and area problems.
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Fascinating Fact:
Kites and rhombuses are often used in engineering because their crossed diagonals add strength and stability.
In KS3 Maths, you study different quadrilaterals and how to classify them. You will compare parallel sides, angle properties, equal lengths, diagonals, and symmetry, then use these facts to solve problems with perimeter and area.
Key Terms
Quadrilateral: Any 2D shape with four straight sides and four angles.
Parallelogram: A quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides; opposite sides and angles are equal.
Kite: A quadrilateral with two pairs of equal adjacent sides; one diagonal often bisects the other at right angles.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What are the main types of quadrilaterals?
Common types include square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, kite, and trapezium. Each has its own side, angle, and symmetry properties used for classification.
How can I tell a rhombus from a square?
Both have four equal sides. A square also has four right angles and equal diagonals; a rhombus does not need right angles and diagonals meet at right angles but are unequal.
What properties define a trapezium in KS3 maths?
A trapezium has at least one pair of parallel sides. You can use the parallel sides to find angles and to calculate perimeter and area where appropriate.
A rhombus is like a 'squashed' square or a diamond
2 .
What is a true statement about a kite?
All four sides are equal in length
Has one pair of parallel sides
Has two pairs of adjacent sides equal in length
It has no lines of symmetry
A kite is a quadrilateral whose four sides can be grouped into two pairs. Each pair is adjacent and of equal-length
3 .
How many sides of a trapezium MUST be parallel?
2
3
4
None
The definition of a trapezium is a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides
4 .
How many angles of a square MUST be 90 degrees?
2
3
4
None
All four sides MUST be equal too
5 .
A scalene quadrilateral has no sides which are .......
curved
parallel
equal
smooth
Just as a scalene triangle has sides of unequal length, the same is true of a scalene quadrilateral
6 .
The interior angles of a quadrilateral add up to how many degrees?
90
180
360
720
By adding a diagonal you can split a quadrilateral into 2 triangles. The sum of the angles in a triangle is 180o, so the sum of two triangles will be 360o
7 .
Which of the following does a parallelogram NOT have?
A line of symmetry
Four angles
Opposite angles are equal
Opposite sides which are equal in length
If it did have a line of symmetry then it would be either a rhombus or a rectangle
8 .
What makes an isosceles trapezium different to an 'ordinary' trapezium?
A line of symmetry
No rotational symmetry
Non-parallel lines of equal length
One pair of parallel lines
Just as an isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length, so too with an isosceles trapezium which makes it symmetrical
9 .
Here are four shapes. Which one is NOT a quadrilateral?