A polygon has at least three sides.
Polygons are closed, two-dimensional shapes formed by straight line segments called sides. The number of sides a polygon possesses dictates its name and characteristics. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Minimum Sides: A polygon must have at least three sides. A two-sided figure cannot be enclosed and therefore cannot be a polygon.
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Types of Polygons based on the Number of Sides:
Number of Sides Polygon Name Example 3 Triangle Equilateral Triangle 4 Quadrilateral Square, Rectangle 5 Pentagon 6 Hexagon 7 Heptagon 8 Octagon 9 Nonagon/Enneagon 10 Decagon 11 Hendecagon/Undecagon 12 Dodecagon -
General Formula for Interior Angles: The sum of the interior angles of a polygon with n sides is (n-2) * 180 degrees.
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Important Considerations:
- Polygons are two-dimensional.
- The sides must be straight line segments.
- The figure must be closed (no gaps).
In summary, while a polygon can have many sides, it must have a minimum of three. The exact number of sides defines the specific type of polygon.
