Congruence - GCSE Maths Definition

In GCSE Maths, the term 'congruence' refers to the concept of two shapes being identical in form and size, meaning they have exactly the same shape and dimensions. When two shapes are congruent, one can be transformed into the other through a series of movements such as translations (sliding), rotations (turning), and reflections (flipping), without altering their size or shape. Congruent shapes have corresponding angles that are equal and corresponding sides that are of identical length. For example, two triangles are congruent if their corresponding sides and angles are equal, which can be proved using criteria like the Side-Angle-Side (SAS) rule or the Angle-Side-Angle (ASA) rule. Understanding congruence helps students solve geometric problems and reason about figures in a precise mathematical way.