In this investigation you will discover some special properties of parallelograms. A [b][color=#0000ff]parallelogram[/color][/b] is a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are parallel.
First lets look at opposite sides of a parallelogram. Drag the slider. What do you notice? Adjust the [color=#a64d79]pink vertices[/color] to see if this is true for [i]every [/i]parallelogram (any size/shape). Complete the conjecture below.
The opposite sides of a parallelogram are _____.
Use the applet above to interact with the angles in a parallelogram. First, look at the [color=#0000ff]opposite angles[/color], or the angles that are across from each other. What do you notice about opposite angles? Move the [color=#a64d79]pink vertices[/color] to see if this is true for [i]ALL [/i]parallelograms. Then, complete the conjecture below.
The opposite angles of a parallelogram are _____.
Two angles that share a common side are called [b]consecutive angles[/b]. As you interact with the applet, notice the top left vertex of the parallelogram. What do you think the sum of consecutive angles is? (In other words, what is the blue angle plus the pink angle?)
The consecutive angles of a parallelogram are _____.
Finally, let's consider the diagonals of a parallelogram. What do you notice about the diagonals? Adjust the pink vertices to make sure this works for ALL parallelograms. Then, complete the conjecture below.
The diagonals of a parallelogram _____.