Names of Polygons
Names of Polygons is a foundational Grade 4-7 geometry skill where students learn the names of polygons based on the number of sides, from triangle (3 sides) to decagon (10 sides) and beyond. Understanding polygon names builds vocabulary for more advanced geometry studies.
Key Concepts
Property Polygons are named by the number of their sides and angles. A polygon with more than 12 sides may be referred to as an n gon , with $n$ being the number of sides.
Examples A hexagon has 6 sides. A shape with 10 sides is called a decagon. A polygon with 25 sides can be called a 25 gon.
Explanation Naming polygons is like learning a secret code based on Greek numbers. A triangle has 3 sides (tri ), a pentagon has 5 (penta ), and an octagon has 8 (octa ). If you ever forget, just count the sides and call it an 'n gon'. A 20 sided shape? That's just a 20 gon!
Common Questions
What are the names of polygons by number of sides?
Triangle (3), quadrilateral (4), pentagon (5), hexagon (6), heptagon (7), octagon (8), nonagon (9), decagon (10), and so on.
What is a polygon?
A polygon is a closed 2D figure made up of straight line segments. Examples include triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons.
What is the difference between a regular and irregular polygon?
A regular polygon has all sides equal and all angles equal. An irregular polygon has sides or angles of different measures.
How do you remember the names of polygons?
Use the Greek or Latin prefixes: tri (3), quad (4), penta (5), hexa (6), hepta (7), octa (8), nona (9), deca (10).
What grade level covers names of polygons?
Polygon names are introduced in Grade 3-4 and reviewed through Grade 7 in geometry units.