The parallelogram is a geometric shape that has been studied and used throughout history. Apart from building stable structures, its properties allow for calculations ranging from simple trigonometry to complex equations such as those dealing with wave functions. In modern times, the triangle is widely used in mathematics, engineering, and architecture. While civilisations like the Egyptians adopted the concept of the triangle in building their pyramids, it was the Greeks who further developed the concept of the triangle with Euclid's Elements, the famous Mathematics treatise that served as a foundation for mathematical education for centuries to come. Throughout history, the triangle has been held up as a symbol of stability and strength, with many cultures associating it with the power of three gods or spiritual entities. Its name was derived from the Latin word ”triangulus,” meaning “three-cornered”.

The triangle is one of the earliest known geometric shapes, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), over 5000 years ago. It can also be seen in architecture with its use in famous buildings such as the Louvre Museum and the Sydney Opera House. Throughout history, the trapezium has been a prominent feature of many artworks such as ancient greek pottery, medieval tapestries, and many Renaissance paintings which used it to create symmetry and harmony.įast forward to modern times, the trapezium continues to inspire sculptures, abstract paintings, and street art. In the field of mathematics, the trapezium is commonly used for measuring angles and lengths on paper, in particular the calculation of the area and perimeter of irregular shapes. That’s because the shape of the trapezium resembles a table with legs that aren’t parallel to each other. Its name derives from the ancient Greek word “trapezion,” which means “a little table”. The trapezoid, or trapezium as it's known in some countries, is a four-sided geometric figure with origins dating back to Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC. It’s also applied to computer algorithms, game theory, quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, and various engineering fields where its symmetrical qualities are especially useful. Today, it is still found in many areas of architecture, design and art. Its four equal sides also made it a great shape for creating patterns and tessellations. Over the centuries, the rhombus’ popularity grew with the development of mathematics as a tool for measuring distances on maps and constructing perfect circles.

Primarily used as decorative ornaments, the symbol soon became an important symbol of prosperity, balance, and harmony found on artifacts from many cultures including Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India.

While some say it originated in the early 16th century during the Renaissance period, many believe it actually first appeared in Babylonian clay tablets between 20 BCE. The rhombus is a four-sided shape with all sides of equal length and is one of the oldest known shapes in mathematics. So, let’s travel back in time to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians and take a closer look, shall we? Just like the Pythagoras theorem, these shapes have played an important role in shaping (pun intended) the field of mathematics, engineering, and art across civilisations and cultures around the world. While you may be familiar with the history of Greek maths geek and philosopher Pythagoras and his famous theorem, have you ever wondered where shapes like the rhombus, trapezium, triangle, parallelogram, and kite come from?

Geometrical shapes are