Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Number of sides in polygons
Number of sides in polygons
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify polygons based on their number of sides.
Correctly name polygons with 3 to 10 sides.
Relate the number of sides to the number of vertices in any polygon.
Distinguish between polygons and non-polygons.
Apply their knowledge of polygon sides to describe real-world shapes.
Draw a polygon given a specific number of sides.
Ever noticed how many different shapes are around us? 🏠 Stop and look at a window, a stop sign, or a honeycomb! What do they all have in common?
In this lesson, we'll dive into the fascinating world of polygons, focusing specifically on how we count and use their sides to identify and name them. Understanding the number of sides is fundamental to geometry and helps us describe the world around us.
Real-World Applications...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PolygonA closed two-dimensional figure made up of three or more straight line segments (sides) that meet at vertices.A triangle, a square, and a hexagon are all examples of polygons.
SideA straight line segment that forms part of the boundary of a polygon.A square has four sides, each a straight line segment.
Vertex (plural: Vertices)A point where two sides of a polygon meet.A triangle has three vertices, which are its corners.
Regular PolygonA polygon where all sides are equal in length and all interior angles are equal in measure.An equilateral triangle and a square are regular polygons.
Irregular PolygonA polygon where not all sides are equal in length, or not all interior angles are equal in measure (or both).A rectangle that is not a square is an irregular polyg...
3
Core Formulas
Polygon Definition Rule
A shape is a polygon if and only if it is a closed figure made entirely of straight line segments.
Use this rule to determine if a given shape qualifies as a polygon. Curved lines or open figures are not polygons.
Sides and Vertices Relationship
For any polygon, the number of sides ($S$) is always equal to the number of vertices ($V$). This can be written as $S = V$.
This rule helps you quickly find the number of vertices if you know the number of sides, and vice-versa. It's a fundamental property of all polygons.
Polygon Naming Rule
The name of a polygon is determined by its number of sides. For example, 3 sides = triangle, 4 sides = quadrilateral, 5 sides = pentagon, 6 sides = hexagon, 7 sides = heptagon, 8 sides = octagon, 9 sides = nona...
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Challenging
A sequence of regular polygons is being drawn: the first is a triangle, the second is a quadrilateral, the third is a pentagon, and so on. How many more sides will the sixth polygon in this sequence have than the third polygon?
A.2
B.3
C.4
D.6
Challenging
Let 'n' be the number of sides of a heptagon. Which expression represents the number of sides of a new polygon that has three more sides than the heptagon?
A.n + 3
B.n - 3
C.3n
D.n
Challenging
A new, single polygon is formed by joining a regular hexagon and a square along one full side. How many sides does this new polygon have?
A.10
B.9
C.8
D.7
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