Let’s Learn!
What is an attribute?
Goal:
Goal:
Think About It!
Goal: Describe the attributes of shapes.
What shapes did Caleb use to make the picture for Logan? We can look at the attributes of the shapes to classify them.
A robot in space. The robot is made up of different triangles and quadrilaterals.
Attributes are characteristics that we use to describe a shape. Attributes can include the number of sides, the length of the sides, and even the types of angles in the shape. Attributes can help us classify shapes.
Let’s look at some of the attributes of the shapes Caleb used in the picture. Click through the tabs below to learn more!
Classify by Sides
Shapes can be classified by their sides. You can classify shapes using attributes like the number of sides, the length of the sides, and whether or not the sides are parallel. Click on each category below to see some examples of shapes that can be classified by their sides.
Number of Sides
You can classify shapes by the number of sides they have.
A triangle has 3 sides, a quadrilateral has 4 sides, a pentagon has 5 sides, a hexagon has 6 sides, a heptagon has 7 sides, an octagon has 8 sides, a nonagon has 9 sides and a decagon has 10 sides.
Length of Sides
You can classify shapes by whether or not they have any sides that are the same length or different lengths. The lines on the sides of the shapes are called “tick marks,” and they tell us the sides that are the same length. When you see sides that have the same number of tick marks, that means the sides are the same length.
Parallel or Perpendicular Sides
You can classify shapes by whether they have parallel or perpendicular sides. Some shapes have both parallel and perpendicular sides, and some have neither. Just like tick marks to show the same length, we can use arrow marks to show sides that are parallel.
A triangle, a square, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a hexagon, a trapezoid, a rhombus and a kite shape.
Classify by Angles
Shapes can also be classified by their angles. You can classify shapes using acute, right, and obtuse angles as well as whether or not angles are congruent. Click on each category below to see some examples of shapes that can be classified by their angles.
Acute Angles
You can classify shapes that are made up of
acute angles. All of these triangles are made
up of angles that are less than 90 degrees.
Right Angles
You can classify shapes that are made up of
right angles. All of these shapes have 1 or
more right angles.
Obtuse Angles
You can classify shapes that have obtuse
angles. All of these shapes have 1 or more
obtuse angles.
Congruent Angles
You can classify shapes that have congruent or
non-congruent angles.
Congruent angles are angles
that have the exact same measurement. Look at
the examples below.
Sides and Angles
Shapes can also be classified by their sides and angles. Click on each category below to see some examples of shapes that can be classified that way.
Regular Polygons
Regular polygons are made of sides that are the
same length and angles that are the same
measurement.
Triangles
Triangles can be classified by their side
lengths and their angles. Below are a couple of
examples.
Attributes help us describe and classify shapes!