FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is a quadrilateral?

1. A polygon with three sides

2. A polygon with four sides

3. A polygon with five sides

4. A polygon with six sides

The correct answer is: A polygon with four sides

A quadrilateral is defined as a polygon that has four sides. This characteristic is fundamental in geometry, wherein polygons are classified based on the number of their sides. Since a quadrilateral specifically includes shapes such as squares, rectangles, trapezoids, and rhombuses, it is crucial to recognize that the defining feature is that it must have exactly four sides. The other choices describe polygons with different side counts: a polygon with three sides is a triangle, one with five sides is a pentagon, and one with six sides is a hexagon. Each of these polygons has its unique properties and classifications, making it clear that only a polygon with four sides meets the criteria for being a quadrilateral.