Which Student Used the Correct Steps to Construct Parallelogram PQRS?

Constructing a parallelogram is a challenging task that requires a student to have a strong understanding of basic geometry principles. A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and four right angles. In order to construct a parallelogram, a student must use a ruler and a pair of compasses. The correct steps to construct a parallelogram must be followed in order to guarantee an accurate result.

Steps to Construct a Parallelogram

Steps to Construct a Parallelogram

The first step for a student to construct a parallelogram is to draw a line segment. This line segment will be used as one of the sides of the parallelogram. The student must then use a ruler to draw a perpendicular line from the end of the line segment. This will create a right angle. The student must then measure the length of the line segment and mark the same distance on the perpendicular line.

The student must then use a pair of compasses to draw an arc from the end of the line segment to the marked point on the perpendicular line. This arc will intersect the perpendicular line, creating a second right angle. The student must then use a ruler to draw a line from the marked point on the perpendicular line to the intersection of the arc and the perpendicular line. This line will be the second side of the parallelogram.

The student must then use a ruler to draw a line from the intersection of the arc and the perpendicular line to the end of the first line segment. This line will be the third side of the parallelogram. The student must then use the same ruler to draw a line from the end of the third side to the end of the first side. This line will be the fourth and final side of the parallelogram.

Example of Constructing Parallelogram PQRS

Example of Constructing Parallelogram PQRS

Let’s say that a student is tasked with constructing a parallelogram PQRS. The student must first draw a line segment PQ, and then draw a perpendicular line from the end of the line segment. The student must then measure the length of the line segment, and mark the same distance on the perpendicular line. The student must then use a pair of compasses to draw an arc from the end of the line segment to the marked point on the perpendicular line.

This arc will intersect the perpendicular line at point R, creating a second right angle. The student must then use a ruler to draw a line from the marked point on the perpendicular line to the intersection of the arc and the perpendicular line. This line will be the second side of the parallelogram RS. The student must then use a ruler to draw a line from the intersection of the arc and the perpendicular line to the end of the first line segment PQ. This line will be the third side of the parallelogram QR.

The student must then use the same ruler to draw a line from the end of the third side QR to the end of the first side PQ. This line will be the fourth and final side of the parallelogram PS. The student has now successfully constructed the parallelogram PQRS and can use it to solve various geometry problems.



Constructing a parallelogram requires a student to have a strong understanding of basic geometry principles. For a student to construct an accurate parallelogram, they must follow the correct steps, which were outlined in this article. By following these steps, a student can successfully construct a parallelogram, such as parallelogram PQRS, and use it to solve various geometry problems.