What does the term "congruent" mean in geometry?

In geometry, the term "congruent" refers specifically to two figures that have the same shape and size. This means that if one figure is placed over the other, they will perfectly overlap, demonstrating that all corresponding sides and angles are equal. Congruence can be determined through various criteria, such as side-side-side (SSS) and angle-side-angle (ASA) conditions.

Understanding congruence is fundamental in geometry, as it allows for the comparison of figures and the understanding of geometric transformations, such as translations, rotations, and reflections, that preserve size and shape. Therefore, recognizing that congruent figures maintain both dimensions and forms is key to solving many geometric problems.