Basic Shapes Around Us
by Vera, Aug 01 2023
Basic Shapes Names with Examples
Geometry is the study of shapes, and we encounter many different shapes with special properties. Some shapes are flat and called 2D shapes, while others take up space and are known as 3D shapes. Let's explore some basic 2D and 3D shapes, understand what makes them unique, and see where we can find them in everyday life.
2D Shapes
Square:
A square is a special flat shape that looks like a box with four equal sides and four corners that form right angles. It's like a perfect, symmetrical "L" shape that catches our eye.
Properties:
- All four sides of a square are the same length.
- The diagonals of a square are equal and cross at right angles, dividing it into four congruent triangles.
- When you turn a square, it still looks the same, like a toy spinning top.
Example:
The windows in some buildings are square-shaped.
Rectangle:
A rectangle is a flat shape with four sides, and opposite sides are different lengths. It's like a stretched box.
Properties:
- Opposite sides of a rectangle have equal lengths.
- The diagonals of a rectangle are equal and cross at right angles, forming four right triangles.
- A rectangle can be folded along a line in the middle, and both halves will look the same.
Example:
The cover of a book is often a rectangle.
Triangle:
A triangle is a simple flat shape with three sides and three corners. It looks like wedges or slices of pizza.
Properties:
- The angles inside a triangle add up to 180 degrees, like the sum of three small angles in a pizza slice.
- Triangles can be different types, like those with three equal sides (equilateral), two equal sides (isosceles), or no equal sides (scalene).
- The longest side of a triangle is always opposite the biggest angle.
Example:
Roofs of houses sometimes have a triangular shape.
Circle:
A circle is a special flat shape with no corners or straight sides. It's completely round, like a hula hoop or a pizza crust.
Properties:
- All points on the edge of a circle are the same distance from the center, like a hula hoop.
- The longest line that can be drawn through the center is called the diameter.
- The distance around the circle is called the circumference, like measuring the distance around a tire.
Example:
A wheel on a bicycle is a circular shape.
3D Shapes
Cube:
A cube is a 3D shape that looks like a solid box with six equal square sides.
Properties:
- All six sides of a cube are equal.
- If you draw lines connecting opposite corners, they will be equal and meet at the center.
- A cube has 12 straight edges of equal length and eight corners where three edges meet.
Example:
A dice used in board games is often shaped like a cube.
Cuboid:
A cuboid is a 3D shape that looks like a stretched box with six rectangular sides.
Properties:
- Opposite sides of a cuboid are equal in size.
- If you draw lines connecting opposite corners, they will be of different lengths.
- A cuboid has eight corners, where three edges meet.
Example:
A shoebox is typically shaped like a cuboid.
Cone:
A cone is a 3D shape with a round bottom and a pointy top. It looks like an ice cream cone or a party hat.
Properties:
- A cone has one curved surface and a circular base at the bottom.
- The height is the distance from the pointy top to the center of the base.
- We can use the size of the base and height to find how much stuff can fit inside the cone.
Example:
An ice cream cone is a classic example of a cone shape.
Cylinder:
A cylinder is a 3D shape that looks like a can. It has two circular ends and a curved surface.
Properties:
- The height is the distance from one end to the other.
- We can use the size of the circular ends and height to find how much stuff can fit inside the cylinder.
- A cylinder has no corners and can roll smoothly like a rolling pin.
Example:
A can of soda is often shaped like a cylinder.
Sphere:
A sphere is a 3D shape that looks like a ball. It is perfectly round with no corners or edges.
Properties:
- All points on the surface of a sphere are the same distance from the center, like the surface of a balloon.
- The diameter is the distance across the widest part of the sphere.
- We can use the diameter to find how much stuff can fit inside the sphere.
Example:
A soccer ball is an example of a spherical shape.
Conclusion
Knowing about these shapes helps us understand the world around us, from the buildings we live in to the games we play. Geometry is like a puzzle that lets us see the amazing patterns and structures that make up our surroundings.