- Definition
When two shapes are congruent, it means they are exactly the same size and shape, like two identical puzzle pieces.
If you trace a block on paper and cut out the shape, the cutout and the block are congruent.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Congruent shapes are like two identical cookies made from the same cookie cutter.
Ask your child: Can you find two blocks that fit perfectly on top of each other?
Common mix-up: Kids may think 'congruent' just means the same shape, like a big and a small square. For shapes to be congruent, they must be identical twins: the exact same size and shape.
Examples
- Two identical playing cards from the same deck are congruent.
- Two pages in a book are congruent because they have the same size and shape.
congruent is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
