NCERT Class 8 Mathematics Ganita Prakash Part-I: Chapter 4 — Quadrilaterals
This chapter introduces quadrilaterals, which are four-sided figures. It explains that the word 'quadrilateral' comes from Latin words meaning 'four' and 'sides'. The chapter focuses on specific types of quadrilaterals, starting with rectangles and squares. A rectangle is defined as a quadrilateral with all right angles and opposite sides of equal length. The text poses a practical problem for a carpenter involving the construction of a rectangle using strips of wood as diagonals, prompting questions about diagonal lengths, intersection points, and angles between them. It encourages geometric reasoning and measurement to understand these properties, laying the groundwork for further exploration of quadrilateral properties in Class 8 Mathematics for CBSE students.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Ganita Prakash Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Quadrilaterals |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 369 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the definition and origin of the term 'quadrilateral'.
- Identify quadrilaterals from other figures.
- Define a rectangle based on its properties (right angles, equal opposite sides).
- Begin to explore properties of diagonals in rectangles.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Quadrilateral | A four-sided polygon. |
| Rectangle | A quadrilateral with four right angles and opposite sides equal. |
| Right angle | An angle measuring 90 degrees. |
| Diagonals | Line segments connecting non-adjacent vertices of a polygon. |
| Vertices | The points where the sides of a polygon meet. |
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Practice questions
- What is the meaning of the word 'quadrilateral'? Answer: It is derived from Latin words 'quadri' (four) and 'latus' (sides).
- What are the two main conditions for a quadrilateral to be a rectangle? Answer: All angles must be right angles (90°), and opposite sides must be of equal length.
- Are all squares rectangles? Answer: Yes, because squares have four right angles and opposite sides are equal.
Frequently asked questions
What is a quadrilateral?
A quadrilateral is a four-sided figure.
What does the word 'quadrilateral' mean?
It comes from Latin words meaning 'four' and 'sides'.
What are the key properties of a rectangle?
A rectangle has all right angles (90°) and its opposite sides are equal in length.
What are diagonals in a quadrilateral?
Diagonals are line segments that connect opposite vertices of a quadrilateral.
Does this chapter cover squares?
Yes, the chapter begins by discussing familiar quadrilaterals like rectangles and squares.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Mathematics — Ganita Prakash Part-I — Chapter 4 — Quadrilaterals. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.