Rhombus vs. Trapezoid: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on February 8, 2024
A rhombus is a parallelogram with all sides equal, while a trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
Key Differences
A rhombus is a special type of parallelogram where all four sides are of equal length, creating a diamond-like shape. In contrast, a trapezoid, known as a trapezium outside North America, is defined by having only one pair of parallel sides, giving it a unique, uneven shape.
The angles in a rhombus can be varied but opposite angles are always equal, and adjacent angles are supplementary. In a trapezoid, the angles are not necessarily equal or supplementary, except in specific cases like the isosceles trapezoid.
Diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles and are of different lengths unless it's a square. The diagonals of a trapezoid do not necessarily bisect each other at right angles and can be of any length, depending on the trapezoid's shape.
In terms of symmetry, a rhombus has both line and rotational symmetry, making it a highly symmetric figure. A trapezoid typically has only one line of symmetry if it's isosceles but lacks rotational symmetry.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A parallelogram with all sides equal
A quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides
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Angles
Opposite angles equal, adjacent supplementary
Angles not necessarily equal or supplementary
Diagonals
Bisect each other at right angles
Do not necessarily bisect each other at right angles
Symmetry
Has line and rotational symmetry
Typically one line of symmetry, no rotational symmetry
Area Formula
1/2 × (product of diagonals)
1/2 × (sum of parallel sides) × height
Rhombus and Trapezoid Definitions
Rhombus
A rhombus is a four-sided shape with all sides of equal length.
The rhombus in the diagram had equally long sides, forming a diamond shape.
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Trapezoid
Trapezoid, a four-sided figure, can have one line of symmetry if isosceles.
The isosceles trapezoid in the book had a single line of symmetry.
Rhombus
A rhombus is characterized by diagonals that bisect at right angles.
The diagonals in the rhombus intersected at a perfect 90-degree angle.
Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
The students identified the trapezoid by its one set of parallel sides.
Rhombus
Rhombus, a type of parallelogram, has opposite equal angles.
The children learned that in a rhombus, each pair of opposite angles is equal.
Trapezoid
Trapezoid, a geometric shape, lacks equal side lengths and angles.
In the drawing, the trapezoid had sides and angles of different lengths and degrees.
Rhombus
Rhombus is a geometric figure with four equal sides but not necessarily right angles.
The rhombus on the flag had equal sides but wasn't a square.
Trapezoid
A trapezoid is characterized by having two non-parallel sides.
The trapezoid's non-parallel sides sloped at different angles.
Rhombus
A rhombus is a quadrilateral with all sides equal in length.
The artist drew a perfect rhombus, ensuring all sides were identical in length.
Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral distinct for its single set of parallel sides.
The architect used a trapezoid shape for the window, emphasizing its unique parallel sides.
Rhombus
An equilateral parallelogram, especially one having oblique angles. Also called rhomb.
Trapezoid
A quadrilateral having two parallel sides.
Rhombus
(geometry) A parallelogram having all sides of equal length.
Trapezoid
Chiefly British A trapezium.
Rhombus
The rhombus diamond, as one of the suits seen in a deck of playing cards (♦ or ♦).
Trapezoid
(Anatomy) A small bone in the wrist, situated near the base of the index finger.
Rhombus
In early Greek religion, an instrument whirled on the end of a string similar to a bullroarer.
Rhombus
Any of several flatfishes, including the brill and turbot, once considered part of the genus Rhombus, now in Scophthalmus.
Rhombus
Snails, now in genus Conus or family Conidae.
Rhombus
Same as Rhomb, 1.
Rhombus
A parallelogram with four equal sides; an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram
FAQs
Are all sides of a rhombus equal?
Yes, all sides of a rhombus are of equal length.
Can a rhombus be a square?
Yes, a rhombus with right angles is a square.
Does a trapezoid always have right angles?
No, a trapezoid does not necessarily have right angles.
What is a rhombus?
A rhombus is a four-sided shape where all sides have equal length.
What makes a trapezoid different from a parallelogram?
A trapezoid has only one pair of parallel sides, unlike a parallelogram which has two.
How is the area of a trapezoid calculated?
By multiplying half the sum of its parallel sides by the height.
Are the opposite angles of a rhombus equal?
Yes, opposite angles of a rhombus are always equal.
What is a trapezoid?
A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
How are the diagonals of a rhombus positioned?
The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles.
Can a trapezoid have equal sides?
An isosceles trapezoid can have two equal non-parallel sides.
Do the diagonals of a trapezoid bisect each other at right angles?
Not necessarily, it depends on the specific shape of the trapezoid.
What defines an isosceles trapezoid?
An isosceles trapezoid has non-parallel sides that are equal in length.
Is a rhombus always symmetrical?
Yes, a rhombus has both line and rotational symmetry.
Can a rhombus be a rectangle?
If the angles are right angles, then it's both a rhombus and a rectangle, specifically a square.
Is a trapezoid considered a regular polygon?
No, a trapezoid is not a regular polygon as its sides and angles are not all equal.
How do you calculate the area of a rhombus?
By multiplying half the product of its diagonals.
Do all rhombuses look like diamonds?
They often resemble a diamond shape, but this can vary based on the angles.
Are the bases of a trapezoid always horizontal?
In typical representations, yes, but in general, the orientation doesn't define a trapezoid.
Can a rhombus have unequal diagonals?
Yes, the diagonals of a rhombus are usually unequal unless it's a square.
What type of symmetry does a trapezoid have?
An isosceles trapezoid has one line of symmetry; a regular trapezoid typically does not have rotational symmetry.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
