Mathematics Grade 9 15 min

Perimeter

Perimeter

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Introduction & Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives Define perimeter and calculate it for any polygon. Apply formulas to find the perimeter of common shapes like rectangles and squares. Calculate the perimeter of polygons when side lengths are represented by algebraic expressions (polynomials). Determine the perimeter of composite figures by identifying and summing all exterior side lengths. Solve for unknown side lengths when the perimeter is given as a numerical value or an algebraic expression. Calculate the perimeter of a polygon on a coordinate plane using the distance formula. Ever wondered how much fencing you'd need for a uniquely shaped yard or how much trim to put around a room? 🏡 That's all about perimeter! This tutorial will guide you through the concept of perimeter, which is the t...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary

TermDefinitionExample PerimeterThe total distance around the outside of a closed two-dimensional figure. It is calculated by adding the lengths of all its sides.A triangle with side lengths 3 cm, 4 cm, and 5 cm has a perimeter of 3 + 4 + 5 = 12 cm. PolygonA closed plane figure with at least three straight sides and angles.Triangles, quadrilaterals (squares, rectangles), pentagons, and hexagons are all polygons. Regular PolygonA polygon where all sides are equal in length and all interior angles are equal in measure.An equilateral triangle (3 equal sides) or a square (4 equal sides) are regular polygons. CircumferenceThe specific term for the perimeter of a circle or an ellipse.A circle with a radius of 5 units has a circumference of 2 * π * 5 ≈ 31.42 units. Algebraic ExpressionA mathemati...
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Core Formulas

General Perimeter of a Polygon P = s_1 + s_2 + s_3 + ... + s_n This is the fundamental rule for any polygon. To find the perimeter, you simply sum the lengths of all 'n' sides. Perimeter of a Rectangle P = 2l + 2w Use this formula for rectangles, where 'l' is the length and 'w' is the width. It's a shortcut for adding all four sides (l + w + l + w). Distance Formula d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} Use this formula to find the length of a side of a polygon when you are given the coordinates of its vertices (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) on a coordinate plane. This is essential for finding perimeter in coordinate geometry.

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Sample Practice Questions

Challenging
The perimeter of a regular pentagon is given by the expression 10x² + 25x - 15. What is the length of one side?
A.50x² + 125x - 75
B.2x² + 5x - 3
C.2x² + 5x - 15
D.10x² + 25x - 20
Challenging
The perimeter of a square with side length (2x - 1) is equal to the perimeter of a rectangle with length (x + 5) and width (x + 2). What is the value of x?
A.4.5
B.2.5
C.6
D.18
Challenging
The length of a rectangular field is 5 meters more than twice its width. If the perimeter of the field is 58 meters, what are its dimensions?
A.Width = 9m, Length = 23m
B.Width = 10m, Length = 25m
C.Width = 8m, Length = 21m
D.Width = 7m, Length = 19m

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