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Definition--Polygon Concepts--Similar Polygons

Similar Polygons

Similar Polygons

Topic

Polygons

Definition

Similar polygons are polygons that have the same shape but may differ in size. Their corresponding angles are equal, and their corresponding sides are proportional.

Description

In geometry, the concept of similar polygons is fundamental. Similar polygons maintain the same shape but can vary in size. This means that all corresponding angles between the two polygons are equal, and the lengths of corresponding sides are proportional. For instance, two triangles are similar if their corresponding angles are equal and the lengths of their corresponding sides are in the same ratio.

The relevance of similar polygons extends to various applications in geometry and real-world problem-solving. Understanding this concept allows for the determination of unknown side lengths and angles in geometric figures, which is particularly useful in fields such as architecture, engineering, and computer graphics. The principles of similarity also play a crucial role in the study of scale models and maps, where real-world objects are represented in a smaller or larger size while preserving their shape.

For a complete collection of terms related to polygons click on this link: Polygons Collection.

Common Core Standards CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.G.B.4, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.G.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.D.8, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.3, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.A.3
Grade Range 3 - 8
Curriculum Nodes Geometry
    • Polygons
        • Definition of a Polygon
Copyright Year 2021
Keywords polygon, definitions, glossary term