The word ‘parallelogram’ was derived from the ancient Greek word which is known as ‘parallelogram in’ which means bounded by lines that are parallel. Hence, we can conclude that an area of parallelogram is a quadrilateral that is bounded by lines that are parallel.
The Area of a parallelogram is a multiplication of its b(base) × h(height) in square units.
It is basically a shape in which the opposite sides are equal and parallel. The shapes of Parallelograms are classified into three main categories:
- Square
- Rectangle
- Rhombus.
And each of the above three has its own unique properties. In this article, we will learn about the figure parallelogram and how to find its area and other aspects that are related to it along with a few steps and examples.
A parallelogram area is a region that is covered by a parallelogram in a plane that is two-dimensional. A parallelogram in geometry is a figure which is two-dimensional in nature and it has four sides. It is a very special kind of case of the quadrilateral where the sides that are opposite are parallel and equal.
The parallelograms area is the space that is enclosed within its four sides. The area of a parallelogram is said to be equal to the product of height and length.
What is Meant by a Parallelogram?
A parallelogram can be categorized as a special kind of quadrilateral that is formed by the lines which are parallel. The angle that lies between the adjacent sides of a parallelogram may sometimes vary but the opposite sides of a parallelogram need to be parallel in any case for it to be a parallelogram. The figure of a quadrilateral will be a parallelogram only if its sides which are opposite are congruent and parallel. Hence, we can say that a parallelogram is defined as a quadrilateral in which both sides are opposite as well as parallel and equal.
Types of Parallelogram
parallelograms can be divided into various categories or types depending upon the different properties which they hold. But the main bifurcation is mentioned here, a parallelogram can be:
- The Rectangle
- The Square
- The Rhombus
Area of Parallelogram
As we know that the sum of the interior angles in a quadrilateral is always 360 degrees. Similarly, a parallelogram has two pairs that are parallel with equal measures. Since it is known to be a two-dimensional figure it has an area along with a perimeter. In this topic, we will discuss the parallelogram area along with its formula and with the help of steps and examples in detail. To understand this topic in detail you can also refer to cuemath.com.
To find the area of the parallelogram we need to multiply the base of the perpendicular by its height. One thing we need to note is that the height and the base of the parallelogram are perpendicular to each other. On the other hand, the lateral side of the parallelogram is not at all perpendicular to the base. Thus, we need to draw a dotted line to represent the height of the parallelogram.
| The Area of a parallelogram = b(base) × h(height) Square units. |
Calculate the area of a parallelogram having a base of 4 cm and a height of 6 cm?
Using the formula mentioned above the area of the parallelogram would be:
A = 4*6 cm2 = 24 cm2
Let us perform an activity to understand the area of a parallelogram.
- First, we need to draw a parallelogram naming it as PQRS with altitude naming it as SE on cardboard, and then we need to cut it.
- Then secondly, we need to cut the triangular portion naming it as PSE.
- The third step is to paste the remaining portion which can be named EQRS on a white chart.
- The last step is to paste the triangular portion that is PSE on the white chart joining sides the points naming RQ and SP.
The area of a parallelogram can be calculated with the help of its height and base. Also, we need to remember that the area of a parallelogram can also be evaluated if its two diagonals that are along with any of their intersecting angles are known to us.
Or if not that then the length of the parallel sides should be known along with any of the angles that lie between the sides.
