What is perimeter?

January 7, 2023 Off By Zak Morris

Perimeter is a measure of the distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape. In this tutorial, we’ll explore what perimeter is, how it is calculated, and some of the key applications of perimeter in various fields.

What is perimeter?

Perimeter is a measure of the distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape. It is typically measured in linear units, such as meters or inches.

Perimeter is a one-dimensional measure, as it only takes into account the length of the outside edges of a shape. It does not take into account the shape’s area or volume.

How is perimeter calculated?

There are several ways to calculate the perimeter of a shape, depending on the shape’s geometry. Some common methods for calculating perimeter include:

  • Rectangle: The perimeter of a rectangle can be calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides. For example, the perimeter of a rectangle with dimensions l and w is:

Perimeter = 2l + 2w

  • Circle: The perimeter of a circle is also known as the circumference. It can be calculated using the formula:

Perimeter = 2πr

where r is the radius of the circle.

  • Triangle: The perimeter of a triangle can be calculated by adding the lengths of all three sides.

Applications of perimeter

Perimeter has a range of applications in various fields, including:

  • Mathematics: Perimeter is used in geometry and other mathematical disciplines to calculate the length of the outside edges of different shapes.
  • Science: Perimeter is important in fields such as biology and ecology, as it can affect the distribution and behavior of organisms.
  • Engineering: Perimeter is important in engineering, as it can affect the strength and stability of structures.
  • Architecture: Perimeter is important in architecture, as it can affect the layout and design of buildings and other structures.

Conclusion

Perimeter is a measure of the distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape. It is calculated using various methods depending on the shape’s geometry, and it has a range of applications in fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, and architecture. Understanding perimeter is important for a variety of applications, including calculating the length of the outside edges of different shapes, understanding the distribution and behavior of organisms, and designing and analyzing structures and systems.