To find the perimeter of different shapes, follow these easy steps:

1. Identify the Shape: First, figure out what type of shape you have. Here are some common shapes:

   • Triangle
   • Rectangle
   • Square
   • Parallelogram
   • Trapezoid
   • Pentagon
   • Hexagon

2. Know the Formula: Each shape has a special way to calculate its perimeter. Here are the formulas for some common shapes:

   • Triangle: ( P = a + b + c ) (where ( a ), ( b ), and ( c ) are the lengths of the sides)
   • Rectangle: ( P = 2(l + w) ) (where ( l ) is the length and ( w ) is the width)
   • Square: ( P = 4s ) (where ( s ) is the length of one side)
   • Parallelogram: ( P = 2(a + b) ) (where ( a ) and ( b ) are the lengths of the sides)
   • Trapezoid: ( P = a + b + c + d ) (where ( a ), ( b ), ( c ), and ( d ) are the lengths of the sides)

3. Measure the Sides: Use a ruler or measuring tape to find out how long each side is. Make sure you measure carefully and write down your numbers.

4. Calculate the Perimeter: Plug your side lengths into the right formula. For example, if you have a rectangle that is 4 cm long and 3 cm wide, you calculate the perimeter like this: [ P = 2(4 + 3) = 14 \text{ cm} ]

5. Double-check Your Work: Go back over your work to make sure you didn’t make any mistakes in your calculations or measurements.

By following these simple steps, you can easily find the perimeter of many different shapes!