Difference between Rhombus and Rhomboid

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that includes the study of geometric figures and bodies. In the flat figures it is possible to obtain a description of their properties and characteristics, which enhance the development of logic and analysis from the visualization of the possibilities offered by the construction or deconstruction of various figures.

Among the most common is the rhombus, but one very similar to this both in name and appearance, turns out to be the rhomboid; so we will expose the properties of both in order to find their similarities and establish their differences.

What is a Rhombus?

The rhombus is a geometric figure that has four sides, without any of them forming a right angle. Also, the rhombus is defined as a quadrilateral plane shape whose pairs of opposite sides are equal and are located parallel, for which it is called a parallelogram.

The term rhombus comes from the Greek that refers to figures that rotate indefinitely, due to the position in which it is found. Seen from an angle, the rhombus can be seen as a square that rests on one of its angles and not on the side that serves as the base for these figures.

Similarly, the rhombus is classified as a closed polygon that has four equal sides among its properties, with four angles that add up to 360°, a characteristic of quadrilaterals. Likewise, it has two diagonals that are unequal to each other and perpendicular. The point where the diagonals of a rhombus meet is known as the incenter, a quality that triangles also possess. On the other hand, the diagonal lines mark an imaginary line that represents the axis of symmetry, dividing the rhombus into two equal parts.

To calculate the extension measure of the surface of a rhombus, that is, the area of this particular geometric figure, we must consider the length of the diagonal lines, multiply them together and then divide by two, this will give us the measure of the area of a rhombus While the perimeter can be calculated by multiplying by four the length of one of its sides.

The rhombus, outside the branch of mathematics, turns out to be one of the most popular figures, since it has been used in a large part of the graphic designs that identify the logos and characteristic symbols of the most prestigious brands. Such is the case of the Mitsubishi automobile company that shows three rhombuses joined in the center by one of their vertices; there is also the logo of the Renault house, within the automotive branch.

What is a Rhomboid?

The rhomboid is a flat geometric figure that has the characteristics of a four-sided polygon, its sides being parallel and equal in length to its opposites, which is why it qualifies as a parallelogram and quadrilateral.

Among the properties of a rhomboid we have that its adjacent sides are unequal; contains four angles, two of which are acute, that is, it is less than 90°, while the other two are obtuse (more than 90°), but the sum of the four will give 360°.

On the other hand, their diagonals are unequal and not perpendicular to each other, calling the point where they meet the center of symmetry; furthermore, from a rhomboid we cannot obtain an axis of symmetry, since it lacks two identical sides when drawing an imaginary line in the middle.

The area of a rhomboid can be calculated by considering the length of its base, multiplied by the relative height of the side, which is obtained by drawing a segment at right angles from one of its vertices to the side parallel to the base. To find the perimeter of the rhomboid, simply add the length of its sides.

The rhomboid is commonly used by graphic designers, as its shape gives the impression of being in constant motion, making it attractive to incorporate into logos to capture the public’s attention.

With access to computer programs and graphics, nowadays the construction of a rhomboid is something simple, but to do it with pencil, ruler and paper, it requires some basic mathematical knowledge, to be able to elaborate this figure with precision and accuracy.