Hexagons
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Basics on the topic Hexagons
Hexagons and Their Properties
Hexagons are special shapes with unique features. But what are hexagons? and how many sides do hexagons have? Learn all about hexagons and their attributes with this text and the examples of hexagons with pictures and charts!
Hexagons – Definition
Let’s learn more about different hexagons shapes and how to identify them with the following pictures of hexagons. What Do Hexagons Look Like?
Hexagons are a special type of six-sided shape. In fact, the ‘hexa’ part of the word, hexagon, means six. In order for a shape to be called a hexagon, a few things must be true: * It must have six straight sides. * It must have six corners, or vertices. * It must be fully closed. * And, it must be two-dimensional, or flat.
Hexagons – Defining Properties
Let’s review the defining properties of hexagons. All hexagons have the following features:
- It must have six straight sides.
- It must have six corners, or vertices.
- It must be fully closed.
- And, it must be two-dimensional, or flat.
These are all called defining attributes, which means they are characteristics that can never change.
Hexagons – Non-Defining Properties
Some characteristics of hexagons can change, however. These characteristics are called non-defining attributes. They are:
- color,
- size,
- and direction.
Hexagons do not have to have equal sides. Irregular hexagons do not have equal sides. They can have sides of different lengths. However, regular hexagons do have equal sides; it is part of what makes the ‘regular’.
| Regular hexagons | Irregular hexagons |
|---|---|
| All sides have the same length. |
The sides may have varying lengths. |
Hexagons – Summary
In order for a shape to be called a hexagon in geometry, it must have all these defining attributes:
Hexagons always have: * six straight sides,
six corners or vertices,
be fully closed,
and two-dimensional.
However, the size, color and direction of a hexagon can change.
Have you practiced yet? On this website, you can also find interactive exercises, worksheets and more activities where you can practice identifying hexagons in geometry and in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hexagons
Hexagons exercise
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Which shape is a hexagon?
HintsA hexagon must have 6 vertices.
A hexagon must have 6 sides.
This shape is a triangle.
SolutionThis shape is a hexagon.
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What are the properties of a hexagon?
HintsA triangle has 3 sides. How many sides does a hexagon have?
A triangle has 3 vertices. How many vertices does a hexagon have?
Here we can see the 6 straight sides of a hexagon.
SolutionThe properties of a hexagon are:
- 6 straight sides
- 6 vertices
- closed
- 2D/flat
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Is this a hexagon?
HintsCount the number of sides on each shape. A hexagon must have 6 straight sides.
There are three hexagons in this problem.
SolutionA shape must have these properties to be a hexagon:
- 6 straight sides
- 6 vertices
- closed
- 2D/flat
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Identify which shapes are hexagons.
HintsCount the number of sides on each shape. A hexagon has 6 sides.
Count the number of vertices on each shape. A hexagon has 6 vertices.
There are three shapes that are hexagons.
SolutionThese three shapes are hexagons.
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How many sides does a hexagon have?
HintsCount the number of sides.
Here we can see one side highlighted. Can you highlight the other sides?
SolutionA hexagon has 6 sides.
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What are the properties of a hexagon?
HintsA hexagon always has 6 straight sides.
Hexagons always have 6 vertices, but they can be different colours and sizes.
Two of the characteristics above are properties a hexagon must have.
SolutionThe properties of a hexagon (shown above in green) are:
- 6 straight sides
- 6 vertices
- closed
- 2D/flat
The non-defining attributes of a hexagon (shown above in yellow) are:
- color
- size
- direction
