Are you wondering how to find the perimeter of a polygon using coordinates? If Yes, then you’re in the right place. This post will give you a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Coordinates are used to locate points on a plane, and by connecting these points using lines, we can form polygons, which are shapes with straight sides and angles.
Knowing how to find the perimeter of a polygon is a crucial skill, particularly in high school geometry class. Keep reading to explore the steps required to find the perimeter of polygons using coordinates. Also, read this article if you wonder what are the differences between trigonometry and geometry.
Step 1: Identify the vertices
The first thing we need to do is identify the vertices of the polygon. The vertex is the point where two adjacent sides of a polygon meet. To do this, we check the coordinates given in the problem and plot them on a graph.
Step 2: Find the length of each side
After we have identified the vertices and plotted them on a graph, we can find the length of each side of the polygon. This is done using the distance formula, which is given as:
Distance = √[(x₂ – x₁)² + (y₂ – y₁)²]
Using this formula, you can calculate the length of each side by taking the distance between two consecutive vertices.
Step 3: Add the lengths of the sides
Once we have the length of each side, we need to add them up to get the perimeter of the polygon. The perimeter is the sum of all the sides of the polygon.
If you want to check your answers and make sure you do it right, use the Towson University website.
Step 4: Round off the answer
Finally, round off the answer to the nearest decimal place if required. The answer will be in the same unit as the coordinates of the vertices given in the problem.
For example, if the coordinates are given in inches, the answer will be in inches.
Step 5: Repeat the process
If you have a polygon with more than four sides, you will need to repeat this process until you have found the length of all the sides and have added them up to get the perimeter.
If you want to learn more, I encourage you to watch this video or the video below.
What to read next:
- Different Types of Transformation in Math.
- What Is a Rotation in Geometry?
- Here’s How to Do Dilations on a Graph (With steps by steps!)
- Understanding Angle Bisectors: Everything You Need to Know!
Wrapping Up
Finding the perimeter of a polygon using coordinates is a skill that can be very useful in geometry.
To find the perimeter of a polygon using coordinates, you will need to identify the vertices, find the length of each side using the distance formula, add the lengths of each side, and round off the answer.
I encourage you to practice the steps outlined in this article until they become second nature to you.