How to Calculate the Perimeter of a Shape: Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
To find the perimeter of a shape, add the lengths of all its sides. In the case of the building example, the perimeter is 43 yards, not 36.
Calculating the perimeter of a shape is an essential skill in geometry, and it involves summing the lengths of all the sides of the shape. In our example, we are looking at a building represented in a grid format where each square equals 1 yard. Let's break down the steps needed to find the perimeter clearly and concisely.
First, it's important to understand what perimeter means. The perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape. For any polygon, you simply add the lengths of all the sides together. In our case, the shape has several sides, and we will calculate each side's length one by one.
1. **Identify and Measure Each Side**: Start at one corner of the shape and move around it, measuring each side. In our example:
- The bottom side measures 9 squares (or yards).
- The right side measures 7 squares.
- Next, we have a top right side of 2 squares.
- Then, we measure down 2 squares.
- The left side has an indent, measuring 3 squares.
- After that, we go up 2 squares, then back out to the right for 3 squares.
- Continue up to the top for another 2 squares.
- Move left for 6 squares.
- Finally, go down the left edge for 7 squares.
2. **Add Up All the Measurements**: Now that we have all the measurements, we can add them together:
- 9 (bottom) + 7 (right) + 2 (top right) + 2 (down) + 3 (indent) + 2 (up) + 3 (right back out) + 2 (up to top) + 6 (left) + 7 (down left) = 43 yards.
3. **Conclusion**: The total perimeter is 43 yards. This means that if you were to walk around the building, you would cover a distance of 43 yards. It's essential to double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. In this case, the initial thought of 36 is incorrect, and careful counting shows the correct perimeter.
Understanding how to calculate the perimeter is beneficial not only in mathematics but also in real-life situations, such as determining the amount of fencing needed for a garden, the length of material required for a path, or even estimating the distance around a park. Practicing with different shapes and scenarios will help reinforce this important concept in geometry. Remember, the more you practice, the more intuitive it will become!
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