Introduction to Polygons
A polygon is a two-dimensional shape that has straight lines connecting its corners. These straight lines are called sides, and the points where sides meet are called vertices. Polygons come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common examples being triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and so on.
Types of Polygons
1. Triangles: A triangle is a polygon with three sides and three vertices. Examples include equilateral, isosceles, and scalene triangles.
2. Quadrilaterals: A quadrilateral is a polygon with four sides and four vertices. Examples include squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids.
3. Pentagons: A pentagon is a polygon with five sides and five vertices. Examples include regular and irregular pentagons.
Properties of Polygons
1. Interior Angles: The sum of interior angles in a polygon with n sides is given by (n-2)*180 degrees.
2. Exterior Angles: The sum of exterior angles in any polygon is always 360 degrees.
Applications of Polygons
1. Architecture: Architects use polygons in designing buildings, bridges, and structures.
2. Robotics: Polygons are used in programming robots to navigate and move efficiently.
Case Study: City Planning
In a city planning project, architects used polygons to design a new park. By creating a polygon shape for the park, they were able to maximize space utilization and create designated areas for various activities.
Statistics on Polygons
A survey of 100 architects found that 85% use polygons in their design process, showcasing the importance of these shapes in various industries.