How to Make a Slanted Rectangle

DIamond shapes are parallelograms, or slanted rectangles.

Math teachers use slanted rectangles to demonstrate the properties of a parallelogram. A parallelogram is a four-sided shape made of two pairs of parallel lines. This means that to create an accurate parallelogram you must make precise measurements. Whether you need to draw a parallelogram for math homework or a balanced slanted rectangle for a craft project, a short series of measured lines is all that is necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Draw the dot that will mark the lower left corner of the parallelogram on the paper. Label this dot with the letter A.

2. Measure 4 inches to the right of the dot with a ruler. Mark the spot with another dot. Label this dot with the letter B.

3. Measure 2 inches directly above point A. Mark the spot with a dot. Label this dot with the letter C.

4. Measure one inch to the right of point C. Mark the spot with a dot. Label this dot with the letter D.

5. Measure 2 inches directly above point B. Mark the spot with a dot. Label this dot with the letter E.

6. Measure one inch to the right of point E. Mark the spot with a dot. Label this dot with the letter F.

7. Draw a horizontal line against the edge of the ruler to connect points A and B. Repeat the process to connect points D and F. You will draw through point E when you make this line.

8. Draw a diagonal line to connect points A and D. Repeat the process to connect points B and F.

9. Erase points C and E. Erase all of the letter labels.

References

• University of Western Michigan: Core-Plus Mathematics Project: Parallelograms: Necessary and Sufficuent
• WyzAnt: Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles