California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math Practice Exam

What describes the attributes of a quadrilateral?

1. A polygon with three sides

2. A figure with exactly four sides

3. A closed shape that cannot intersect itself

4. A figure that includes at least one angle

The correct answer is: A figure with exactly four sides

The attributes of a quadrilateral are accurately described by identifying it as a figure with exactly four sides. This is the fundamental characteristic that defines all quadrilaterals, which can take various forms such as squares, rectangles, trapezoids, and rhombuses. Each of these shapes possesses four sides, and the classification as a quadrilateral hinges entirely on this specific attribute. The definition emphasizes that regardless of the length of the sides or the measure of the angles, the defining feature remains that it must have four sides. This characteristic distinguishes quadrilaterals from other types of polygons, such as triangles (with three sides) and pentagons (with five sides). The other choices, while they may provide characteristics of different geometric figures or properties of specific shapes, do not capture the essential definition of a quadrilateral. Thus, recognizing that a quadrilateral is specifically a figure with exactly four sides is what confirms choice B as the correct description.