What is the Perimeter of a Shape? Definition and Examples


The perimeter of a shape is the sum of the lengths of all the sides of the shape. For example, find the perimeter of the x-shape shown below, also known as the letter x.

X-shape

To find the perimeter, just find the sum of the lengths of all 12 sides.

Perimeter = 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 5

Perimeter = 2 + 10 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 10 + 2 + 10

Perimeter = 12 + 12 + 12 + 12

Perimeter = 24 + 24

Perimeter = 48

Perimeter can also refer to the outer edge of a shape.

When dealing with figures that have only straight lines, it is kind of easy to find the perimeter. However, shapes with curved boundaries such as the circle and the ellipse require special formulas or techniques to find the perimeter.

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Math words beginning with the letter p

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