In a CAD program, how is a geometric constraint different from a numeric constraint?

In a CAD program, how is a geometric constraint different from a numeric constraint?

• A. A geometric constraint bonds two geometric parts together (ie mate, flush). A numeric constraint is a measurement or distance and constrains an object to be a certain length.
• B. A numeric constraint bonds two geometric parts together; A geometric constraint is a measurement.
• C. A geometric constraint is a color attribute; A numeric constraint defines material properties.
• D. A numeric constraint constrains color; A geometric constraint sets temperature.

Answer: (B)

In CAD, geometric constraints specify how shapes relate to each other, not how big they are. They enforce relationships like parallel or perpendicular lines, a point lying on a line, or a circle being tangent to a line. Numeric constraints, on the other hand, fix exact sizes or values—such as a specific length, radius, or angle—so the geometry is sized precisely. Assembly behavior that “bonds” parts together (mates) is a different kind of constraint used to position entire parts relative to each other, not just relationships within a sketch. So the correct understanding is that geometric constraints define relationships between geometry, while numeric constraints define numeric dimensions. The other descriptions—calling geometric constraints a color attribute or numeric constraints something about material or temperature—don’t reflect how constraints are used in CAD.

In CAD, geometric constraints specify how shapes relate to each other, not how big they are. They enforce relationships like parallel or perpendicular lines, a point lying on a line, or a circle being tangent to a line. Numeric constraints, on the other hand, fix exact sizes or values—such as a specific length, radius, or angle—so the geometry is sized precisely. Assembly behavior that “bonds” parts together (mates) is a different kind of constraint used to position entire parts relative to each other, not just relationships within a sketch. So the correct understanding is that geometric constraints define relationships between geometry, while numeric constraints define numeric dimensions. The other descriptions—calling geometric constraints a color attribute or numeric constraints something about material or temperature—don’t reflect how constraints are used in CAD.