The strongest classification for the quadrilateral with vertices Q(-5,7), R(8,7), S(6,-6), and T(-7,-6) is B. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram.
Opposite sides are equal in length: We can calculate the side lengths using the distance formula:
QR = √((8 - (-5))^2 + (7 - 7)^2) = 13
RS = √((6 - 8)^2 + (-6 - 7)^2) = 13
ST = √((-7 - 6)^2 + (-6 - (-6))^2) = 13
TQ = √((-7 - (-5))^2 + (-6 - 7)^2) = 13
Therefore, opposite sides QR and ST, as well as RS and TQ, have the same length, satisfying the condition for a parallelogram.
Not all sides are equal: While opposite sides are equal, the adjacent sides are not: QR is not equal to RS, and ST is not equal to TQ. This eliminates options C (rhombus) and D (square), which require all sides to be equal.
Right angles not guaranteed: We cannot determine whether the angles of the quadrilateral are right angles just from the side lengths. Therefore, option A (rectangle) is also not confirmed.
Therefore, based on the given information, classifying the quadrilateral as a parallelogram is the most accurate and specific option. It captures the key property of opposite sides being equal without making any unwarranted assumptions about other characteristics like angles or side lengths being equal.
Complete Question:
The vertices of a quadrilateral are listed below.
Q(-5,7), R(8,7), S(6,-6), T(-7,-6)
Which of the following is the strongest classification that identifies this quadrilateral?
A. The quadrilateral is a rectangle.
B. The quadrilateral is a parallelogram.
C. The quadrilateral is a rhombus.
D. The quadrilateral is a square.