Vertices are really important when we learn about shapes, especially in Year 7 math. So, what is a vertex?

Simply put, a vertex is a point where two sides of a shape meet. For example, a triangle has three vertices, and a square has four.

Why Vertices Matter

1. Identifying Shapes: The number of vertices helps us tell what kind of shape we have.

   • A triangle has 3 vertices.
   • A quadrilateral (like a square) has 4.
   • A pentagon has 5.
   • Knowing these helps us understand what makes each shape special.

2. Finding Angles: Vertices are also important for figuring out angles in shapes.

   • In a triangle, all the inside angles add up to 180 degrees.
   • Each vertex is part of this total.
   • In a quadrilateral, like a square, the angles sum up to 360 degrees. Knowing the vertices helps us find each angle.

3. Looking at Symmetry: Vertices help us understand symmetry in shapes.

   • A regular polygon, like a hexagon, has vertices that are evenly spaced out.
   • This creates symmetry, meaning it can be divided into equal parts.
   • By finding the vertices, we can draw lines of symmetry, which helps us see how the shape is balanced.

Visualizing Vertices

Think about a square. Each corner is a vertex. If we label the vertices as A, B, C, and D, we can easily see how these points connect to make the shape.

By looking at these vertices, we can learn a lot about the different properties of shapes. So, understanding vertices is super important for getting the hang of geometric shapes!