FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the term 'polygon'?

1. A 3D shape with volume

2. A closed figure with straight sides

3. A type of angle

4. A unit of measurement

The correct answer is: A closed figure with straight sides

The term 'polygon' is defined as a closed figure that is formed by straight sides. To elaborate, polygons consist of a finite number of line segments connected end-to-end to form a closed shape. Each of these line segments, referred to as sides, meet at points called vertices. This definition encompasses various types of polygons, such as triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and more. The attributes of being closed and having straight sides are what distinctly classify a figure as a polygon, differentiating it from other shapes and forms that may feature curves or be open. In contrast, a three-dimensional shape would not be considered a polygon, as it requires volume and depth, rather than the flat, two-dimensional nature of polygons. Angles represent the space between two intersecting lines rather than describing the characteristics of a closed figure. Additionally, a unit of measurement refers to a standard quantity used to express and measure physical quantities, which does not pertain to geometric shapes like polygons.