Flat shapes have names. The name comes from the sides.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Four sides, different names
A square has 4 equal sides. A rectangle has 4 sides and square corners.
A hexagon has 6 sides. A circle has no sides at all.
These shapes are flat. You could draw them on paper.
Flat shape is a shape you can draw. It has no thickness.
Count corners to check
Corners are points you can put a finger on, so they are easier to count than sides — and there are always the same number of each.
Some names sit inside others
A square is also a rectangle, because it has four sides and four square corners. The general name still applies.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
Hexagon
Straight sides
6
Corners
6
A hexagon has 6 straight sides.
Turning it does not change what it is.
Trapezoid
Straight sides
4
Corners
4
A trapezoid has 4 sides, and 2 of them never meet.
Turning it does not change what it is.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Leo Name a Shape
Leo is shown a shape with 6 straight sides.
- Step 1
He counts the sides: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Shapes at School
Problem 1 of 1
A window has 4 sides and 4 square corners. What is it?
Count and Name
1 of 3
How many sides does a hexagon have?
2 of 3
How many sides does a circle have?
3 of 3
How many corners does a square have?
Turn a Rhombus
Turn it and check that it still has 4 sides.
Rhombus
Straight sides
4
Corners
4
A rhombus has 4 sides that are all the same length.
Turning it does not change what it is.
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
A shape has 6 straight sides. What is it?
Question 2 of 2
How many sides does a trapezoid have?
What You Learned
- The number of sides gives the shape its name.
- A hexagon has 6 sides. A circle has none.
- Turning a shape never changes its name.