Mastering the Basics: Understanding Polygons in Geometry | Types, Classifications and Properties

polygon

a closed, 2D figure (plane) with sides made up of line segments

In geometry, a polygon is a closed 2-dimensional shape that is formed by connecting at least three straight line segments called sides. These segments must not cross each other and each side of the polygon must be connected to two other sides at each of its endpoints. The point where two sides meet is called a vertex (plural: vertices) of the polygon.

Polygons can be classified based on the number of sides they have. For example:

– A polygon with 3 sides is called a triangle.
– A polygon with 4 sides is called a quadrilateral.
– A polygon with 5 sides is called a pentagon.
– A polygon with 6 sides is called a hexagon.
– A polygon with 7 sides is called a heptagon or septagon.
– A polygon with 8 sides is called an octagon.
– A polygon with 9 sides is called a nonagon or enneagon.
– A polygon with 10 sides is called a decagon.

Polygons can also be classified as regular or irregular. A regular polygon has all sides and angles equal, while an irregular polygon has sides and angles of different lengths and measures.

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