Which word means two figures have the same size and shape?

• A. Similar
• B. Congruent
• C. Equal
• D. Symmetrical

Answer: (B)

Two figures have the same size and shape when they are congruent. Congruent figures have equal corresponding sides and equal corresponding angles, and you can place one on top of the other so they match exactly through moving, turning, or flipping—these are rigid motions that don’t change size or shape. This is different from similar, which means the shapes have the same form but can be different sizes because their corresponding sides are proportional and their angles are equal. Symmetrical describes a balance or mirror image within a single figure, not two separate figures being identical, and equal isn’t the standard term used for describing whole shapes. So the word that fits is congruent.