Grade 7 → Mensuration → Perimeter and Area ↓
Perimeter of Plane Figures
The concept of perimeter is an essential part of geometry and measurement. Understanding the perimeter of plane figures helps us solve real-world problems such as designing a garden, enclosing a piece of land or framing a picture, etc. In simple terms, perimeter is the total distance around the edge of a two-dimensional figure. It gives us an idea of how much boundary or border a figure encloses.
Definition of perimeter
The perimeter is the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed plane figure. Imagine you are walking in a park; the distance you will cover to come back to the same point will be the perimeter of the park.
Understanding plane figures
A plane figure is a two-dimensional shape that lies entirely on a flat surface. Common examples include circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares. Each of these shapes has its own method for calculating the perimeter.
Calculating the perimeter of general plane figures
Perimeter of a rectangle
A rectangle is a plane figure whose opposite sides are equal and parallel. The formula for calculating the perimeter of a rectangle depends on its length and width:
P = 2(length + width)
Here, P
represents the perimeter, while length
and width
are the measurements of the sides of the rectangle.
P = 2(6 + 4) = 2 x 10 = 20 cm
Perimeter of a square
A square is a special rectangle in which all four sides are equal. The formula for the perimeter of a square can be simplified because all its sides are equal:
P = 4 x side
Here, P
represents the perimeter, and side
is the length of one side of the square.
P = 4 x 5 = 20 cm
Perimeter of a triangle
A triangle has three sides, and its perimeter is the sum of all sides. The general formula is:
P = A + B + C
Here, P
represents the perimeter and A
, B
, and C
are the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
P = 6 + 7 + 9 = 22 cm
Circumference of a circle
The perimeter of a circle is called the circumference. The formula to calculate the circumference is pi (π), which is approximately 3.14159. The formula for the circumference of a circle is:
C = 2πr
Here, C
is the circumference of the circle and r
is the radius.
C = 2 x 3.14159 x 3 ≈ 18.85 cm
Visual example
Rectangle
Square
Triangle
Circle
Understanding units of perimeter
When calculating the perimeter, units are an essential aspect to consider. The unit of measurement is determined by the unit used for the length of the sides. For example, if the sides of the shape are measured in centimeters, the perimeter will also be in centimeters. Common units include millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and kilometers (km).
Reinforcing understanding through word problems
Word problem 1
Suppose Mr. Brown wants to fence his garden, which is rectangular in shape. The length of the garden is 40 m, and the width is 15 m. Calculate the total length of the fence that Mr. Brown will need.
Solution: Using the perimeter formula of a rectangle:
P = 2(length + width) = 2(40 + 15) = 2 x 55 = 110 meters
Mr. Brown will need 110 meters of fencing.
Word problem 2
Emma is putting ribbon around a square cake. If one side of the cake is 25 cm long, how much ribbon will Emma need?
Solution: Using the perimeter formula of a square:
P = 4 x side = 4 x 25 = 100 cm
Emma needs 100 cm of ribbon.
Extending the ideas: Complex shapes
Many times, we come across shapes that are combinations of other simple shapes. Imagine a flower garden that includes a rectangular path and a circular pond. In such cases, the total perimeter is the sum of the perimeters of each individual shape. Each part of the shape will use its respective perimeter formula.
Conclusion
Understanding how to find the perimeter of various plane figures is a practical and valuable skill. It helps students understand the dimensions and limitations of various shapes and can be applied to solve real-world problems. With practice, calculating perimeter becomes intuitive and simple.