Understanding the Basics of Polygons | Shapes, Names, and Properties

polygon

A polygon is a two-dimensional geometric shape that is formed by three or more straight sides (or edges) joined together to form a closed figure

A polygon is a two-dimensional geometric shape that is formed by three or more straight sides (or edges) joined together to form a closed figure. Each individual side intersects with the two adjacent sides, and the endpoints of these sides are called vertices. The line segments that form the sides of a polygon are not allowed to cross or intersect each other.

Polygons can have different numbers of sides, and the names for polygons are derived from Greek numerical prefixes. For example:

– A polygon with three sides is called a triangle.
– A polygon with four sides is called a quadrilateral.
– A polygon with five sides is called a pentagon.
– A polygon with six sides is called a hexagon.
– A polygon with seven sides is called a heptagon or a septagon.
– A polygon with eight sides is called an octagon.
– A polygon with nine sides is called a nonagon or an enneagon.
– A polygon with ten sides is called a decagon.
– And so on.

Polygons can also be classified as regular or irregular. A regular polygon has all sides of equal length and all angles of equal measure. An irregular polygon has sides and angles of different lengths and measures.

Polygons are widely studied in geometry, and their properties and characteristics play a fundamental role in various mathematical and practical applications.

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