What is the Difference Between a Square and a Parallelogram?

A square and a parallelogram are both four-sided shapes, but they have some key differences. Here’s a breakdown:

Square:

  • All sides are equal: In a square, all four sides are of the same length.
  • All angles are right angles: Each angle in a square measures 90 degrees.
  • Diagonals are equal and bisect each other: The diagonals in a square are of equal length and they cross each other at 90 degrees.

Parallelogram:

  • Opposite sides are equal: In a parallelogram, opposite sides are of the same length, but adjacent sides can be of different lengths.
  • Opposite angles are equal: The angles opposite to each other in a parallelogram are equal, but they are not necessarily right angles.
  • Diagonals bisect each other: The diagonals in a parallelogram bisect each other, but they are not necessarily of equal length.

In summary, while both shapes have parallel sides, a square is a special type of parallelogram where all sides and angles are equal, and the diagonals are equal and perpendicular.

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