Polygons: Definition and Identification

Contributed by:
Diego
This pdf contains:-
Definition and Identification of Polygons
Sides, Diagonals, and Vertices
Classifying Polygons
1. Notes: Polygons
2. I. Definition and Identification
A polygon is defined as a closed plane figure formed by three
or more line segments that intersect only at their endpoints.
3. A triangle is defined as a three-sided
polygon, and a quadrilateral is a four-sided
4. You can name a polygon by the
number of its sides. The table
shows the names of some
common polygons. You must
memorize these (you will have a
quiz over this on Friday).
5. Ex 1a: Tell whether the figure is a polygon. If it is a
polygon, name it by the number of sides.
polygon, hexagon
6. Ex 1b: Tell whether the figure is a polygon. If it is a polygon,
name it by the number of sides.
polygon, heptagon
7. Ex 1c: Tell whether the figure is a polygon. If it is a polygon,
name it by the number of sides.
not a polygon- curved side
8. Ex 1d: Tell whether each figure is a polygon. If it is a polygon, name it by the
number of its sides.
not a polygon
9. Ex 1e: Tell whether the figure is a polygon. If it is a polygon,
name it by the number of its sides.
polygon, nonagon
10. Ex 1f: Tell whether the figure is a polygon. If it is a polygon,
name it by the number of its sides.
not a polygon
11. II. Sides, Diagonals and Vertices
Each segment that forms a polygon is a side of the
polygon. The common endpoint of two sides is a
vertex of the polygon. A segment that connects any
two nonconsecutive vertices is a diagonal.
12. Two lines or two angles
are congruent if they
have the same measure.
The symbol for congruent
is ≅.
All the sides are congruent in an equilateral polygon. All
the angles are congruent in an equiangular polygon. A
regular polygon is one that is both equilateral and
equiangular. If a polygon is not regular, it is called
13. A polygon is concave if any part of a diagonal contains
points in the exterior (ouside) of the polygon. If no
diagonal contains points in the exterior, then the polygon
is convex. A regular polygon is always convex.
14. Example 2A: Classifying Polygons
Tell whether the polygon is regular or irregular. Tell whether it is concave or convex.
The dashes on all four sides are the same.
This tells us that all four sides are congruent.
The symbols in the vertices tells us that
there are two pairs of congruent sides, but
not all four sides are congruent with each
other. This polygon is irregular.
There are no diagonals that have
points in the exterior of the figure.
Therefore the polygon is convex.
15. Example 2B: Classifying Polygons
Tell whether the polygon is regular or irregular. Tell whether it is concave or convex.
irregular, concave
16. Example 2C: Classifying Polygons
Tell whether the polygon is regular or irregular. Tell whether it is concave or convex.
regular, convex
17. Check It Out! Example 2a
Tell whether the polygon is regular or irregular. Tell whether it is concave or convex.
regular, convex
18. Check It Out! Example 2b
Tell whether the polygon is regular or irregular. Tell whether it is concave or convex.
irregular, concave
19. III. Special Quadrilaterals
Some quadrilaterals have special characteristics, and are
therefore give special names. A quadrilateral with two pairs
of parallel sides is a parallelogram. To write the name of a
parallelogram, you use the symbol . The symbol for
parallel is two vertical lines ll.
20. A rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles.
21. A rhombus is a quadrilateral with four congruent sides.
22. A square is a quadrilateral with four right angles and four
congruent sides. A square is a parallelogram, a rectangle,
and a rhombus.
23. A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with exactly one pair of parallel sides.
Each of the parallel sides is called a base. The nonparallel sides are
called legs. Base angles of a trapezoid are two consecutive angles
whose common side is a base.
If the legs of a trapezoid are congruent, the trapezoid is
an isosceles trapezoid.