rectangle

Everyday

1. A rectangle is a flat shape with four straight sides and four square corners (right angles). Its opposite sides are equal and parallel. tree →
2. A square is a special rectangle with all four sides equal. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a shape with length and width; problems find its perimeter or area; arrays and area models use rectangles. In everyday life: doors, books, phone screens, sports fields and tables are rectangles. In art: drawing with a ruler.

Examples

• A rectangle is 8 cm long and 5 cm wide. tree →
• Find the perimeter of the rectangle. tree →
• The area of the rectangle is 24 square meters. tree →
• A rectangle has a length of 10 and a width of 4. tree →
• A door is shaped like a rectangle. tree →
• Every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. tree →
• A rectangle has four right angles. tree →
• Fold the rectangle along its line of symmetry. tree →
• Draw a rectangle on squared paper and count the squares inside. tree →

Note

Area = length × width; perimeter = 2 × (length + width). Trap: the question word (area or perimeter) decides which, not the shape. Hidden numbers: 4 sides, 4 right angles (90° each), 2 lines of symmetry (a square has 4). Area is in square units (cm²), perimeter in units (cm).