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Properties of shapes
Properties-of-shapes 256
Description
Exercise Name: Properties of shapes
Math Missions: 5th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, 6th grade (U.S.) Math Mission
Types of Problems: 6

The topic Properties of shapes is under the 5th grade (U.S.) Math Mission and 6th grade (U.S.) Math Mission. This exercise explores the relationships between many geometric shapes.

Types of Problems[]

There are six types of problems in this exercise:

  1. All, some, none: This problem provides some statements that may or may not be true. The student is asked to select whether the relationship holds all the time, some of the time, or none of the time.
    Pos1

    All, some, or none

  2. Select all: This problem asks a question about what shapes satisfy some property. The student is to select all shapes that satisfy the given property.
    Pos2

    Select all

  3. Comparison: This problem provides the names of two geometric objects. The student is asked to select all statements that are true about both of the objects mentioned.
    Pos3

    Comparison

  4. Multiple choice: This problem asks a question about properties that shapes may have and possible correct names for such objects. The student is asked to select the best answer to the question from a multiple choice list.
    Pos4

    Multiple choice

  5. Yes, no, maybe so: This problem asks a question about whether two shapes are related or are the same. The student is asked to select whether the descriptions are definitely the same, definitely different, or if there is not enough information to be absolutely certain.
    Pos5

    Yes, no, maybe so

  6. Analyze picture: This problem provides a picture and some options. The student is asked which of the options are true about the related picture.
    Pos6

    Analyze picture

Strategies[]

This exercise is easy to get accuracy badges as long as one is familiar with the vocabulary of the polygons. Speed badges should be considered medium as it is necessary to answer several different types of questions on this exercise.

  1. The highest number of sides in any polygon seems to be six (hexagon).
  2. Knowing the complete quadrilateral hierarchy or having it as a quick reference would be beneficial on these problems.
  3. Be especially wary on multiple select questions to be sure that you are taking all of the correct answers.

Real-life Applications[]

  1. The ancient Egyptians from over 4000 years ago were very good at shapes and geometry. Every time the Nile burst its banks and flooded the planes, they had to use geometry to measure their gardens and fields all over again.
  2. Architects use shapes and lots of geometry to construct bridges, roofs on houses, and other structures.