is a square a rhombus?

[Kiwi]

I keep finding discrepancies in the definition of a rhombus. Some sources say that it's a parallelogram with equal sides, no matter the type of angle . Some sources say that it's a parallelogram that mostly contain only obtuse angles. Some sources say that it's a parallelogram that only contain obtuse angles.

What do you tell your kids ?

 

[Brooke]

rhombus

I'd need my chart of properties to precisely answer your question. My fourth graders use this chart that classifies lines and angles to help them work through problems. Off the top of my head this is what I'm thinking. I think I remember from high school math that all angles in a rectangle will add to 360. A square has four right angles (90 degrees each), but I think a rombus has two obtuse angles and two acute angles. The pairs of lines are parallel in both a rhombus and sqare, the sides are also the same length in both. A rhombus looks like a diamond.

 

[mrsb203]

According to Wikipedia

All of the side are of equal length and the opposing sides are parallel. If all of the angles of the rhombus are right angles then it is a square or rectangle.

 

[Kiki]

here's an answer

http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/59003.html so yes, a square is a rhombus!

 

[Chris3]

families

A square is a type of rhombus, just one that has 4 equal sides and right angles. I explain it to my kids as families... this family tree idea helps them NOT get confused, like they often tend to be... hope I helped...

 

[musicbug]

According to what I have read.

All squares are rhombuses, but not all rhombuses( or rhombi) are squares. Only rhombuses with 4 right angles are squares. Hope it helps. My grade 5 class was fine with that definition.

 

[vateacher]

It's kind of like all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares. Same thing with the rhombus. Why is math so complicated?