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.