Have you ever stopped to think about all the different shapes that surround us? From the squares of our windows to the circles of our plates, geometry is everywhere! But what about those slightly less common shapes? Let’s dive into the world of polygons and uncover a fascinating one in particular.
Prepare to expand your shape vocabulary! Today, we’re focusing on a specific polygon: the shape with seven sides. You might not encounter it every day, but it’s a key part of understanding geometry. Get ready to explore the properties and fun facts about this interesting figure.
What is a Shape That Has 7 Sides Called? The Heptagon!
The shape with seven sides is called a heptagon. The name “heptagon” comes from the Greek words “hepta” (meaning seven) and “gon” (meaning angle). It’s a pretty straightforward name when you break it down, isn’t it? Just remember “hepta” for seven!
A heptagon is a polygon, which means it’s a closed, two-dimensional shape made up of straight line segments. The “sides” of the heptagon connect end-to-end to form a closed path. Think of it like drawing a figure without lifting your pencil and ending where you started.
Heptagons can come in many different forms. A regular heptagon has seven equal sides and seven equal angles. An irregular heptagon, on the other hand, has sides and angles of different sizes. Both are still heptagons as long as they have seven sides!
Finding real-world examples of perfect heptagons can be a bit tricky. They don’t appear as often as squares or triangles in everyday objects. However, some coins are shaped like heptagons (though they are often curved to make vending machines read them easily).
Heptagons can also be found in architecture and design, though perhaps cleverly disguised or incorporated into more complex patterns. Keep an eye out! Once you know what to look for, you might start noticing them in unexpected places. The beauty of geometry lies in its hidden presence.
Now that you know what is a shape that has 7 sides, you can impress your friends and family with your newfound geometrical knowledge! Challenge them to find examples of heptagons around them, or even try drawing your own. Geometry is more fun when you explore it together!