Grade 5

Grade 5Measurement


Perimeter of Polygons


Understanding the perimeter of polygons is an important part of learning geometry in class 5 maths. The perimeter is the total length around a polygon. To find it, you simply need to add the lengths of all the sides of the polygon. Let's understand this concept in more detail, explore different polygons and learn how their perimeter can be calculated.

What is the perimeter?

The word "perimeter" comes from the Greek words "peri," meaning "around," and "metron," meaning "to measure." So, perimeter means measuring around a shape. It's the distance around a two-dimensional shape. For polygons, which are flat, closed shapes with straight sides, the perimeter is the sum of the lengths of those sides.

Basic formula for perimeter

More generally, if a polygon has n sides, and the length of each side is denoted by a1, a2, ..., an, then the perimeter P is given by

P = a1 + a2 + ... + an

Visual examples of perimeter

Rectangle

A rectangle is a polygon with four sides where the opposite sides are equal. Therefore, if the length is l and the width is w, the perimeter P can be given as follows:

P = 2l + 2w
lAnd

For example, if the length of a rectangle is 8 cm and the width is 3 cm, then the perimeter can be calculated as follows:

P = 2(8) + 2(3) = 16 + 6 = 22 cm

Square

A square is a special type of rectangle where all sides are of equal length. If each side is s, then the perimeter P is simply:

P = 4s
S

Let each side of the square be 5 cm. We calculate the perimeter as follows:

P = 4(5) = 20 cm

Triangle

For a triangle that has three sides, the perimeter can be found by adding the lengths of the three sides. If the sides are a, b, and c, then the perimeter P is:

P = a + b + c
CAB

For example, the perimeter of a triangle with sides 6 cm, 8 cm and 10 cm will be:

P = 6 + 8 + 10 = 24 cm

Pentagon

A pentagon is a five-sided polygon. If all sides are of equal length, it is called a regular pentagon. If the length s of one side is known, the perimeter of a regular pentagon can be easily calculated:

P = 5s

If each side of the pentagon is 4 cm, then:

P = 5(4) = 20 cm

More examples and exercises

Let's work through some more examples of perimeter calculations for different types of polygons.

Example 1: Irregular quadrilateral

Consider an irregular quadrilateral whose sides have lengths 5 cm, 7 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm. The perimeter will be calculated as follows:

P = 5 + 7 + 4 + 6 = 22 cm

Example 2: Hexagon

For a regular hexagon (a six-sided polygon with each side of equal length), if each side is 3 cm, the perimeter is:

P = 6(3) = 18 cm

Example 3: Octagon

Consider a regular octagon with each side measuring 2 cm. The perimeter can be calculated as:

P = 8(2) = 16 cm

Why is it important to learn about perimeter?

Learning how to calculate perimeter has practical applications in real life. For example, if you need to build a fence around the garden or put a new frame around a picture, knowing how to calculate perimeter will help you determine how much material you need.

Understanding perimeter also enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students get practice adding numbers, understanding the properties of different shapes, and applying these skills to everyday scenarios.

Conclusion

Calculating the perimeter of polygons is a foundational concept in mathematics. By understanding and applying it, students can better understand the world around them, preparing them for more complex mathematical concepts in the future.

Revisit these examples and try more practice problems to get comfortable with finding the perimeter of different polygons. Always remember to add up all side lengths correctly, and with practice, it will become second nature!


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