FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What type of parallelogram has four congruent sides?

1. Rectangle

2. Square

3. Rhombus

4. Trapezoid

The correct answer is: Rhombus

A parallelogram with four congruent sides is known as a rhombus. In geometric terms, a rhombus is defined as a type of parallelogram where all sides are of equal length, which distinguishes it from other types of parallelograms. While a square certainly has this characteristic as well (having four congruent sides), it is also defined by the property that all its angles are right angles. A rhombus, on the other hand, does not impose the same restriction on the angles; the angles can vary as long as the sides remain equal. The other shapes mentioned, such as rectangles and trapezoids, do not have the property of having all sides congruent; rectangles have opposite sides equal but not necessarily all four sides equal, and trapezoids generally have only one pair of parallel sides with no requirement for side congruence. Thus, the answer relies on recognizing the specific characteristic of a rhombus as a parallelogram with all four sides the same length.