FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What do you call the figures in geometry that are exact copies in shape and size?

1. Congruent figures

2. Similar figures

3. Derived figures

4. Projected figures

The correct answer is: Congruent figures

Congruent figures are defined as shapes that have the same dimensions and shape, which means they can be superimposed on one another perfectly. When two figures are congruent, all corresponding sides and angles are equal. This property makes congruence significant in geometry, as it allows for the exact comparison of figures, ensuring that they occupy the same space without any alteration in size or shape. In contrast, similar figures may have the same shape but are different in size, which means their corresponding angles are congruent, but the lengths of their corresponding sides are proportional rather than equal. Derived figures and projected figures do not specifically refer to direct copying in terms of size and shape, making congruent figures the appropriate term for shapes that are exact copies.