A convex polygon is a closed figure with all its interior angles measuring less than 180°, and its vertices pointing outwards. This term is used to describe shapes that have a curved or protruding surface. In simpler terms, all the lines along the outline of the shape are straight and point outwards. Real-world examples of convex polygons include signboards, footballs, circular plates, and many more.
Convex Polygon Definition
A polygon is a two-dimensional shape with a minimum of three sides and angles. A convex polygon is a shape where all its vertices point in the outward direction. It is a closed shape with a curved surface that projects outward. In other words, no part of the shape points inwards. In geometry, a shape or polygon is considered convex if the lines connecting its vertices lie completely inside the shape. Every interior angle of a convex polygon measures less than 180°.
Properties of a Convex Polygon
To easily identify a convex polygon, we can look for the following characteristics:
- A convex polygon is a polygon where all the interior angles measure less than 180º.
- A polygon with at least one angle measuring greater than 180° is called a concave polygon.
- The diagonals of a convex polygon lie inside the polygon.
- The line joining any two points of a convex polygon lies completely inside it.
Examples of Convex Polygons
Here are some examples of convex polygons:
Examples of Convex Polygon
There are two types of convex polygons: regular convex polygons and irregular convex polygons.
Regular Convex Polygon
A regular convex polygon is a polygon where each side has equal length, and all the interior angles are equivalent and measure less than 180°. The vertices of the polygon are equidistant from the center of the regular polygon. For instance, a regular convex pentagon is an example of a regular convex polygon.
Irregular Convex Polygon
An irregular convex polygon is a polygon where each side has unequal length, and all the interior angles have unequal measures. An example of an irregular convex polygon is an irregular parallelogram.
Convex vs. Concave Polygon
Convex and concave shapes have distinct differences. Here's a comparison:
Convex Polygon:
- The outline of the convex shape points outward; there are no dents.
- All the interior angles of a convex polygon measure less than 180°.
- The line joining any two vertices of the convex shape lies completely within it.
Concave Polygon:
- At least some portion of the concave shape points inward; there is a dent.
- At least one interior angle of a concave polygon measures greater than 180°.
- The line joining any two vertices of the concave shape may or may not lie within it.
Convex Polygon Formulas
A polygon occupies space and has an area. The following formulas help us calculate the area, sum of exterior angles, and sum of interior angles of a convex polygon.
Area of a Convex Polygon
The area of a convex polygon with coordinates ((x₁, y₁)), ((x₂, y₂)), ((x₃, y₃)), ..., ((xₙ, yₙ)) is given by:
Area = 1/2 |((x₁y₂) - (x₂y₁)) + ((x₂y₃) - (x₃y₂)) + ... + ((xₙy₁) - (x₁yₙ))|Sum of Interior Angles
The sum of the interior angles of a convex polygon with 'n' sides is given by the formula 180(n-2)°. For example, a hexagon has 6 sides, so the sum of its interior angles is 180(6-2)°, which equals 720°.
Sum of Exterior Angles
The sum of the exterior angles of a convex polygon is equal to 360° divided by 'n', where 'n' is the number of sides of the polygon.
Conclusion
Convex polygons are fascinating geometric shapes with distinct properties. Their simplicity allows for easy identification and calculation of various aspects such as area and angle measurements. Understanding the characteristics and formulas related to convex polygons helps us navigate the field of geometry with confidence and accuracy.
Topics Related to Convex Polygon
Check out some interesting related articles:
- Definition of Polygon
- Polygon Shape
- Similarity in Triangles
- Areas of Similar Triangles
- What is Similarity?
