Table of Contents
Geometry defines a Geometric Shape as a figure or area enclosed by a line or curve. It is created by combining a certain number of points, curves, and lines. Geometric shapes include triangles, circles, squares, etc.
Before we shift our focus to the more advanced and competitive mathematical concepts of geometry and algebra, you must acquire the necessary understanding of the geometric shapes.
All of us know about geometry shapes, such as a square, rectangle, circle, and triangle. Let’s look at some basic geometric shapes.
What Are Geometrical Shapes?
A geometric shape is a figure or area enclosed by a line or curve formed by combining a certain number of points, lines, and curves. There are different geometrical shapes such as triangles, circles, squares, and more. And these shapes are the basic point of learning geometry.
Geometrical Shapes (9 Basic Shapes)
Square
A square is a four-sided shape made by connecting 4 line segments. The line segments in the square are all of equal lengths, and they come together to form 4 right angles.
Circle
On the other hand, a circle, another geometry shape, has no straight lines. It is made up of curves that are connected to one another. A circle does not contain any angles.
Rectangle
Rectangles are also created by connecting four line segments, similarly to squares. However, the only difference between a square and a rectangle is that two line segments are longer than the other two line segments in a rectangle.
Therefore, a rectangle can also be described as an elongated square in geometry. Also, the four corners come together in a rectangle to form four right angles.
Triangle
Triangle comprises three connected line segments. As opposed to a rectangle or a square, angles in a triangle can have distinct measurements. They aren’t always the right angles. Triangles are named depending upon the type of angle which is found within the triangle itself. For instance, if a triangle has one right angle, it will be known as a right-angled triangle.
If any of the angles in the triangle measures more than 90 degrees, then it will be known as an obtuse-angled triangle. In contrast, if all the triangle angles are less than 90 degrees, it is referred to as an acute-angled triangle. There is also an equiangular triangle, in which all angles are 60 degrees. On the other hand, the triangle can also be identified or classified according to the type of sides they have.
- A scalene triangle has no congruent sides.
- An isosceles triangle has two congruent sides.
- An equilateral triangle has three congruent sides.
Please note that equilateral and equiangular triangles are two distinct terms for the same triangle.
Polygon
Another geometric shape that you need to know about is a polygon. In this case, a polygon is basically a broader term for several shapes such as a square, triangle, and rectangle. Polygons consist of only lines and do not have curves. It may not have any open parts.
Parallelogram
A parallelogram is another of the geometric shapes in which the opposite sides of the shape are parallel. In order to determine if the sides are parallel or not, you must closely examine the shape. The key property of a parallelogram is that its lines never cross or intersect each other, no matter how long you extend them. So, if you extend the lines through eternity and never intersect each other, they can be called a parallelogram.
Parallelograms, however, cannot be considered if the lines touch or meet at any point. Since the lines opposite a triangle meet at its point, a triangle cannot be considered a parallelogram. In addition, since the lines intersect, it cannot be considered a parallelogram.
Rhombus
The type of quadrilateral that has equal sides is known as a rhombus.A square has all angles that are right angles, but a rhombus does not have to have all angles that are right angles.
Therefore, the rhombus becomes a square when it has right angles. Every square is indeed a rhombus, but not all rhombus are squares.
Trapezoid
Trapezoids (also called trapeziums) are flat 2D shapes with straight edges. Usually, the top and bottom sides of an object are parallel to each other. Those parallel to each other are called the bases, and those not parallel are called the legs.
Many people say the trapezoid has only one pair of parallel sides, meaning it could not be a parallelogram. The exclusive definition is used for this claim.
Kite
Kites are quadrilaterals whose four sides can be grouped into two pairs of equal lengths. As an alternative, a parallelogram also consists of two equal-length sides, except that they are opposite one another rather than adjacent to one another. In turn, kite quadrilaterals are named after the flying kites that are often blown by the wind and have quadrilateral shapes.
FAQs
- Is a circle a polygon? Answer with a reason
Ans: Circles are not polygons since they are created using curves, which isn’t allowed by the definition of a polygon.
- What are the basic geometric shapes?
Ans: The basic geometric plane shapes are circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square, and trapezoid.
- What is a polygon?
Ans: A polygon refers to a shape that is composed only of lines. It also does not contain any open spaces. It is generally a broader term for multiple shapes like the square, triangle, and right triangle.
- How do you name triangles based on their sides?
Ans: Triangles based on their sides are a scalene triangle, isosceles triangle, and the right triangle. A scalene triangle consists of no congruent sides, while the isosceles triangle consists of two congruent sides. It is important to note that equilateral and equiangular triangles are the two different terms we use for the same triangle. The harmonious third side of an equilateral one is the same as the fourth.
- What is the key property of a parallelogram?
Ans: A parallelogram is characterized by parallel lines that do not cross or intersect. Furthermore, the length of the lines does not matter. Therefore, if you extend the lines through eternity without intersecting each other, they become a parallelogram.