FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is NOT a feature of polygons?

1. Composed of line segments

2. Simple and closed

3. Can have curved sides

4. Two-dimensional

The correct answer is: Can have curved sides

The distinguishing characteristic of polygons is that they are formed exclusively by straight line segments that are connected to create a closed figure. This means that all sides of a polygon must be straight, and the shape is defined by those interconnected segments, which form a closed boundary without any gaps. Given this definition, the presence of curved sides contradicts the fundamental properties of a polygon. Curved lines cannot be used in the formation of polygons because such figures would no longer fit the criteria of being composed solely of straight line segments. Additionally, the other features highlight essential attributes of polygons: they are simple and closed, meaning that each line segment connects to exactly two other line segments and that there are no intersections other than at the endpoints. They are also considered two-dimensional, as they lie flat on a plane and do not possess any thickness. These characteristics reinforce the notion that any figure with curved sides would fall outside the definition of a polygon.