A shape is named by what it has, not by which way up it is.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Turn it around
A triangle standing on a point is still a triangle. Turning changed how it looks, not what it is.
Count to check
Count the straight sides. Three means triangle. Four means square or rectangle. The count settles it.
Do not be fooled by size or colour
A tiny red triangle and a huge blue one are both triangles. Only the sides and corners decide.
Why we name by the parts
If names depended on how a shape looked to you, two people could disagree. Counting sides gives everyone the same answer.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Turn the shape. The name does not change.
Triangle
Straight sides
3
Corners
3
A triangle has 3 straight sides.
Turning it does not change what it is.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Turn a Triangle
Mia turns a triangle upside down.
- Step 1
She counts the sides before turning: three.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
The Sides
Problem 1 of 1
A shape has three straight sides. What is it?
Name and Count
1 of 4
How many sides does a square have?
2 of 4
How many corners does a triangle have?
3 of 4
How many sides does a circle have?
4 of 4
Does turning a shape change its name?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 1
How many corners does a rectangle have?
What You Learned
- Shapes are named by their sides and corners.
- Turning a shape does not change its name.
- A circle has no straight sides at all.