FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What are figures that possess the same size and shape called?

1. Similar figures

2. Congruent figures

3. Identical figures

4. Equivalent figures

The correct answer is: Congruent figures

Figures that possess the same size and shape are referred to as congruent figures. Congruent figures have matching dimensions and angles, meaning that one can be transformed into the other through rotations, translations, or reflections without any alteration of size or shape. This concept is crucial in geometry, where understanding the properties of shapes in relation to one another allows for effective problem-solving and proof construction. In contrast, similar figures have the same shape but are different in size, which means their corresponding sides are proportional, but they do not necessarily coincide. Identical figures would imply they are the same object, often used informally, but isn't a geometrical term. Equivalent figures can refer to figures that have the same area or volume but may not share the same shape. Therefore, the clarity of congruency highlights the precise relationship between figures in geometry, providing a foundational understanding for further mathematical concepts and applications.