Kite
A kite is a quadrilateral with two pairs of equal-length sides that are adjacent (next to each other) rather than opposite. Unlike a parallelogram where equal sides are across from each other, a kite’s two pairs of equal sides share a common vertex. A kite has one axis of symmetry (the diagonal connecting the two vertices where unequal sides meet) and its diagonals are perpendicular. Kites appear in real life as flying kites, certain architectural shapes, and in geometric art. This 7th grade geometry concept is covered in Saxon Math, Course 2.
Key Concepts
Property A quadrilateral with two pairs of equal length sides that are adjacent to each other.
Examples A shape with adjacent sides of 5 and 10 has a perimeter of $2(5) + 2(10) = 30$. The diagonals of a kite are always perpendicular to each other.
Explanation Like a flying kite, it has two short sides meeting and two long sides meeting. It's symmetrical along one diagonal but has no parallel sides, which is why it soars so differently from a parallelogram. It's all about adjacent pairs, not opposite ones!
Common Questions
What is a kite in geometry?
A kite is a quadrilateral with two pairs of adjacent (neighboring) equal-length sides. The equal sides are next to each other, not across from each other.
How is a kite different from a rhombus?
A rhombus has all four sides equal. A kite has two pairs of equal sides, but the two pairs have different lengths. A rhombus is actually a special type of kite where both pairs have the same length.
How is a kite different from a parallelogram?
In a parallelogram, equal sides are opposite each other. In a kite, equal sides are adjacent (next to each other). A kite is not a parallelogram.
What are the properties of a kite?
A kite has two pairs of adjacent equal sides. Its diagonals are perpendicular. One diagonal bisects the other. It has exactly one line of symmetry.
Does a kite have any right angles?
A kite doesn’t necessarily have right angles, but its diagonals always meet at a right angle (90°). Some special kites may have right angles, but it’s not a required property.
When do students learn about kites in geometry?
Kites are covered in 7th grade geometry as part of a broader study of quadrilaterals and their properties.
Which textbook covers kites in geometry?
Saxon Math, Course 2 covers kites as a type of quadrilateral.