5th grade game on finding the perimeter of shapes - Perimeter is defined as the distance around the edge of a two-dimensional shape. It is the continuous line that forms the boundary of a closed geometrical figure. There are various types of perimeter, but for now, we will only be tackling about two types. The square and rectangle! This is where you learn that math is not always about numbers, shapes and letters are a part of it, too! Let us kick off our journey by starting off with squares! A square is a type of rectangle wherein all its sides are equal. When you get a protractor, all sides of a square are measured exactly 90 degrees, and that’s what makes it equal. When we talk about its perimeter, it is the overall length of all its sides. So for us to find the perimeter of it, we should add all four sides of the square. The perimeter of a square is a+a+a+a= 4a, note that we can assign any letter to all sides of the square, it can be x, y, z or etc. Since all sides of a square are equal, there is only one perimeter to find. Therefore, the general formula of it is: perimeter of a square = 4x. Let’s take this as an example, one of the sides of a square is 6 centimeters (cm). What will be its perimeter? To answer this, we need to identify the given first, which is 6 cm (one side), and the general formula = 4x. So, 4x6= 24 cm. The perimeter of the square is 24 cm! On the other hand, a rectangle is a quadrilateral that has two equal pairs of parallel sides, and all the angles measure exactly 90 degrees too. The perimeter of a rectangle is the overall distance that is being covered by the rectangle around its outside. Since the opposite sides of a rectangle are equal, the perimeter would be twice the width plus twice the length of the rectangle, and it can be donated by the letter ‘p.’ Hence, P= a+b+a+b (opposite sides of a rectangle are equal). We can further derive it to: P= 2 (a+b); a- length of the rectangle; width or breadth of the rectangle. And now, for example, a rectangle has a length of 6 cm, and a width of 12 cm, find the perimeter of it. In order for us to solve this, identify first the given: Length= 6cm; Width= 12cm. And now, proceed to the formula. P= 2(length + width).Next, substitute the values to the formula, P= 2(6+12). Lastly, we solve it. P= 2(18) = 36 cm. Therefore, the perimeter of the rectangle is 36 cm. There you have it, kids! We cannot deny the fact that the process is kind of a bit long, but everything is doable as long as you memorize the given formulas! If you think you have grasped everything in today’s lesson, play the game now to test if you truly learned anything from us! Good luck, Math wizards!