What is the Difference Between Diamond, Rhombus and Trapezoid?

Diamond, Rhombus, and Trapezoid are three geometric shapes that can sometimes be confused with each other due to their similar appearances. However, they have distinct properties and characteristics:

  1. Diamond: A diamond is a type of parallelogram in which all four sides are of equal length. Additionally, opposite angles of the diamond are congruent. A diamond can also be described as a four-sided figure with two pairs of parallel sides.
  2. Rhombus: A rhombus is also a parallelogram with all four sides of equal length. Unlike a diamond, opposite angles of the rhombus are also congruent. In other words, a rhombus is the parallelogram in which all sides are equal but not all angles are right angles. Their diagonals intersect each other at 90-degree angles.
  3. Trapezoid: A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with two parallel sides of different lengths. It is also known as a trapezium in some parts of the world. The area of a trapezoid can be calculated using the formula: Area = (b1 + b2) x h / 2, where b1 and b2 are the lengths of the two bases, and h is the height of the trapezoid.

In summary, the main differences between these shapes are:

  • A diamond has equal sides and parallel opposite sides, but not equal opposite angles.
  • A rhombus has equal sides and equal opposite angles, but not all angles are right angles.
  • A trapezoid has two parallel sides of different lengths and different angles.

Comparative Table: Diamond, Rhombus vs Trapezoid

Here is a table comparing the differences between a diamond, rhombus, and trapezoid:

Feature Diamond Rhombus Trapezoid
Definition A four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides where all sides are equal in length. Opposite angles of the diamond are congruent. A four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides where all sides are equal in length. Opposite angles of the rhombus are congruent, and all angles are not equal to 90°. A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with two parallel sides of different lengths.
Description Also known as a rhombus, a diamond is a type of parallelogram with equal sides and congruent opposite angles. Unlike a diamond, opposite angles of the rhombus are also congruent. A trapezoid has one pair of parallel sides (called bases) and two non-parallel sides (called legs).
Properties - All sides are equal in length. - Opposite angles are equal. - Only one pair of opposite sides are parallel.
Area Formula Not applicable Not applicable Area = (Base1 + Base2) × Height / 2

Please note that a diamond is essentially the same shape as a rhombus, as both have equal sides and opposite pairs of parallel sides. The terms "diamond" and "rhombus" are often used interchangeably.