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      Constructing rhombi

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use intersecting circles to construct rhombi from given lengths.

      Key learning points

      1. A rhombus can be created from two isosceles triangles.
      2. An isosceles triangle can be constructed from a given base and side lengths using intersecting circles.
      3. A rhombus can be constructed from intersecting circles using triangles.

      Keywords

      • Rhombus - A rhombus is a parallelogram where all sides are the same length.

      • Rhombi - The plural of rhombus can be referred to as rhombi.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may avoid using the pair of compasses and opt for a ruler instead.

      Emphasise the efficiency and accuracy of using compasses instead of a ruler in the construction of their triangles.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils could be provided with copies of each type of triangle and then manipulate them to create the different quadrilaterals.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      triangles have two equal-sized angles. Two of the three edges are equal in length.

      Correct Answer: Isosceles, isosceles

      Q2.
      As this triangle is isosceles, the angle marked $$a$$ is $$^\circ$$.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 32, thirty-two, thirty two

      Q3.
      Which of these could be a sketch of an equilateral triangle?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q4.
      Which of the following sets of lengths could be the edges of a triangle?

      Correct answer: 6 cm, 8cm and 10 cm
      30 mm, 42 mm and 95 mm
      2.6 cm, 63 mm and 10.6 cm
      Correct answer: 12 mm, 4.7 cm and 5.2 cm
      Correct answer: 10 m, 12 m and 18 m

      Q5.
      Select all the statements which are true of all quadrilaterals.

      Correct answer: All quadrilaterals have four edges.
      Interior angles of all quadrilaterals sum to $$180^\circ$$.
      All quadrilaterals have at least one set of parallel sides.
      Correct answer: All quadrilaterals can be split into two triangles.
      All quadrilaterals have a right angle.

      Q6.
      Put the steps of constructing an equilateral triangle in order.

      1 - Use your pencil and ruler to draw one edge to the required length.
      2 - Set the width of the pair of compasses to the length of the drawn edge.
      3 - With the needle point on one end of the line segment, draw an arc.
      4 - Put the needle point on the other end of the line segment.
      5 - Check the width of the pair of compasses is still the length of the edge.
      6 - Draw an arc, which intersects with the first arc.
      7 - Connect the point of intersection to the ends of the line segment.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      This kite has be created by using two triangles, joined by a common edge length. The two triangles are ...

      An image in a quiz
      ...congruent equilateral triangles
      ...congruent isosceles triangles
      ...congruent scalene triangles
      Correct answer: ...different isosceles triangles
      ...different scalene triangles

      Q2.
      A rhombus is a where all sides are the same length.

      Correct Answer: parallelogram

      Q3.
      A rhombus is a quadrilateral where ...

      Correct answer: ...all edges are equal.
      ...all angles are equal.
      Correct answer: ...there are two sets of parallel sides.
      ...there are no lines of symmetry.
      ...there are two sets of equal angles.

      Q4.
      Which of these show the correct construction of a rhombus?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q5.
      If Jun and Jacob were to both construct a rhombus with edge lengths of 8 cm, would their constructions be identical?

      Yes - both of the rhombi would have edge lengths of 8 cm, so they are the same.
      No - they can have the same edges but the angles can be different.
      Correct answer: Maybe - if they both constructed the rhombus using equilateral triangles.

      Q6.
      Sofia is constructing a rhombus from one given edge AB. She has nearly finished the construction of rhombus ABCD. Where is vertex D?

      An image in a quiz
      $$D_1$$
      Correct answer: $$D_2$$
      $$D_3$$

      To help you plan your 8 maths lesson on: Constructing rhombi, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...