Types Of Polygon
Meaning of Polygon
The meaning of polygon refers to a flat, two-dimensional closed shape formed by three or more straight sides. Each side of a polygon is a line segment, and the point where two sides meet is called a vertex. Polygons are categorized based on the number of sides they have. Triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons are some of the most common polygon shapes.
Understanding the meaning of polygon is essential for geometry learners as polygons form the building blocks of many geometrical figures. All shapes that are polygons must be closed figures with straight edges. Circles and curves are not considered polygons.
Table of Contents
- Types of Polygon
- Polygon Shapes with Names
- Regular and Irregular Polygons
- Concave and Convex Polygons
- Properties of Polygon Shapes
- Applications of Polygons in Real Life
- Solved Examples
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Polygon
There are several types of polygon, depending on the number of sides. Here is a quick classification:
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Triangle - 3 sides
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Quadrilateral - 4 sides
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Pentagon - 5 sides
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Hexagon - 6 sides
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Heptagon - 7 sides
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Octagon - 8 sides
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Nonagon - 9 sides
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Decagon - 10 sides
Each of these is considered under shapes that are polygons and serves as a key category in geometry. The classification of types of polygon also considers whether the polygon is regular or irregular, concave or convex, which will be explained in the upcoming sections.
Polygon Shapes with Names
Different polygon shapes have specific names based on the number of their sides. Here are some common examples of polygon shapes:
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Triangle: 3 sides
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Square and Rectangle (Quadrilateral): 4 sides
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Pentagon: 5 sides
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Hexagon: 6 sides
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Octagon: 8 sides
Learning these polygon shapes is fundamental to understanding geometry. All these are shapes that are polygons, and students are often required to draw and identify them.
Regular and Irregular Polygons
Regular polygons are those where all sides and all angles are equal. Examples include equilateral triangles and squares.
Irregular polygons have sides and angles of different lengths and sizes. A scalene triangle or an irregular quadrilateral is a good example.
Both regular and irregular fall under the types of polygon and contribute to the diversity of polygon shapes in mathematics.
Concave and Convex Polygons
Another way to categorize types of polygon is by identifying whether they are concave or convex:
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Convex Polygons: All internal angles are less than 180°. These are the most common shapes that are polygons.
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Concave Polygons: Have at least one angle greater than 180°. They appear "caved in" at one or more places.
These distinctions help further understand the structural variety within polygon shapes.
Properties of Polygon Shapes
All polygon shapes have the following key properties:
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The number of sides equals the number of vertices.
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The sum of interior angles = (n – 2) × 180°, where n is the number of sides.
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Exterior angles always add up to 360°.
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All shapes that are polygons are closed figures with straight sides.
These properties apply across all types of polygon, helping in calculating unknown angles and understanding structural design.
Applications of Polygons in Real Life
Polygons are everywhere around us. Here are a few real-life examples of shapes that are polygons:
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Tiles (hexagon or square-shaped)
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Road signs (pentagons, octagons)
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Architecture and building designs
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Digital graphics and modeling
These practical uses highlight the importance of understanding the meaning of polygon and the ability to identify various polygon shapes.
Solved Examples
Example 1:
Identify the polygon: A shape with 6 sides and all equal angles.
Solution: It is a regular hexagon. It belongs to polygon shapes and is a regular polygon.
Example 2:
What is the sum of interior angles of a pentagon?
Solution: (5 - 2) × 180 = 540°
Example 3:
Is a circle a polygon?
Solution: No, because it does not have straight sides. Only shapes that are polygons qualify as polygons.
Conclusion
Understanding the meaning of polygon and the various types of polygon is essential in geometry. From identifying different polygon shapes to applying them in real life, polygons form a core concept in mathematics.
Regular practice and visualization of shapes that are polygons help students strengthen their geometric reasoning and apply these concepts effectively in exams and daily observations.
Related Links
Quadrilaterals Explore how four sides come together to form fascinating shapes - read all about Quadrilaterals now!
Triangles : Uncover the power of three sides in geometry - dive into Triangles and their types!
Point and lines : Start with the basics - understand Points and Lines, the building blocks of geometry!
Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Polygon
1: What is the meaning of polygon?
A polygon is a flat, closed shape with straight sides. Examples include triangles, squares, and pentagons.
2: What are the different types of polygon?
Types include triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and more.
3: What are some examples of polygon shapes?
Triangles, rectangles, pentagons, and hexagons are all polygon shapes.
Q4: Are all closed shapes polygons?
No, only shapes that are polygons have straight edges.
Q5: How do you identify shapes that are polygons?
If the shape is flat, closed, and made of straight lines, it is a polygon.
Learn more about polygons and other geometric shapes at Orchids The International School. Start exploring polygon shapes today!