105 LearnersLast updated on August 12th, 2025
Properties of Rectangle
A rectangle is a type of quadrilateral that has a lot of unique properties. These properties help students simplify geometric problems related to rectangles. The properties of a rectangle are: it has two pairs of opposite sides that are equal in length, the diagonals of the rectangle are equal in length, and the angles are all right angles. These properties help students to analyze and solve problems related to symmetry, angles, and area. Now let us learn more about the properties of a rectangle.
What are the Properties of a Rectangle?
The properties of a rectangle are simple, and they help students to understand and work with this type of quadrilateral. These properties are derived from the principles of geometry. There are several properties of a rectangle, and some of them are mentioned below: Property 1: Two pairs of equal sides A rectangle has two pairs of opposite sides that are equal in length. Property 2: Right angles All four angles in a rectangle are right angles (each measuring 90 degrees). Property 3: Diagonals The diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length and bisect each other. Property 4: Symmetry A rectangle has two lines of symmetry along the midpoints of opposite sides. Property 5: Area Formula The formula used to calculate the area of a rectangle is given below: Area = length x width
Tips and Tricks for Properties of a Rectangle
Students tend to confuse and make mistakes while learning the properties of a rectangle. To avoid such confusion, we can follow the following tips and tricks: Two Pairs of Opposite Sides are Equal: Students should remember that in a rectangle, two pairs of opposite sides are equal in length. To verify this, the students can draw a rectangle and see that the opposite sides in the diagram they drew are equal in length. Diagonals are Equal: Students should remember that in a rectangle, the diagonals are always equal in length. Right Angles: Students should remember that all angles in a rectangle are right angles, each measuring 90 degrees.
Confusing a Rectangle with a Square
Students should remember that a rectangle has opposite sides that are equal and all angles are right angles. Whereas, in a square, all sides are equal and all angles are right angles.
Mistake 1
Misinterpreting the Diagonal Relationship
Students should know and remember that the diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length and bisect each other.
Mistake 2
Incorrectly Applying the Formula
Students should practice the formula used to find the area of a rectangle, which is given below. The students must also understand the representations of length and width. Area = length x width
Mistake 3
Misunderstanding Angle Relationships
Students should remember that all angles in a rectangle measure 90 degrees.
Mistake 4
Forgetting the Equal Diagonals Rule
Students must remember that in a rectangle, the diagonals are equal in length and bisect each other.
Mistake 5
Solved Examples on the Properties of Rectangles
In a rectangle, the four corners are marked as A, B, C, and D. If AB = 5cm, BC = 8cm, what is the length of the side CD?
CD = 8cm.
Problem 1
In a rectangle, two pairs of opposite sides are equal. Since BC = 8cm, then CD = 8cm.
In a rectangle ABCD, the angle ABC = 90 degrees. What is the measure of angle BCD?
Explanation
BCD = 90 degrees.
Problem 2
In a rectangle, all angles are right angles. Hence, angle BCD = 90 degrees.
The diagonals of a rectangle intersect at point O. If AO = 6cm, what is the length of diagonal AC?
Explanation
AC = 12cm.
Problem 3
The diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length and bisect each other. Hence, AC = 2 x AO = 12cm.
In rectangle ABCD, diagonal AC bisects diagonal BD at a point E. If AE = 5cm, what is the length of EC?
Explanation
EC = 5cm.
Problem 4
Since AE = 5cm and the diagonals bisect each other, then EC = 5cm.
A rectangle has a length of 9cm and a width of 4cm. What is the area of the rectangle?
Explanation
Area = 36 sq cm.
A rectangle is a quadrilateral that has two pairs of opposite sides that are equal and four right angles.
1.How many pairs of equal sides does a rectangle have?
2.Are all sides of a rectangle equal?
3.How do you find the area of a rectangle?
4.Can a rectangle have all four sides equal?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Properties of Rectangles
Students tend to get confused when understanding the properties of a rectangle, and they tend to make mistakes while solving problems related to these properties. Here are some common mistakes the students tend to make and the solutions to said common mistakes.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
