Which of the following is NOT a quadrilateral?
A. Square B. Rectangle C. Rhombus D. Triangle
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Triangle.
A quadrilateral is a polygon that has four sides, and its name is derived from the Latin words “quadri,” meaning four, and “latus,” meaning side. A square, rectangle, and rhombus all meet the definition of a quadrilateral as they each have four sides.
- Square: A square is a special type of rectangle where all sides are of equal length, and it has four right angles.
- Rectangle: A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles, and opposite sides are of equal length.
- Rhombus: A rhombus is a quadrilateral where all four sides have equal length, but the angles are not necessarily 90 degrees. Unlike a square, the angles in a rhombus are not necessarily right angles.
On the other hand, a triangle is a polygon with only three sides, making it a completely different category of shape. It has no relation to the quadrilateral family, as it does not meet the criterion of having four sides. Triangles are classified based on their sides and angles, such as equilateral, isosceles, and scalene, and their properties are distinct from those of quadrilaterals.
In summary, while a square, rectangle, and rhombus are all quadrilaterals because they each have four sides, a triangle is not, as it only has three sides.