EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What is Perimeter

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths - What is Perimeter?

Introduction

Perimeter is a fundamental concept in geometry that refers to the total distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape. It's like walking around the shape and measuring the total length of your journey.

Understanding Perimeter

Imagine a square with each side measuring 5 cm. To find the perimeter, you would add up the lengths of all the sides:

• 5 cm + 5 cm + 5 cm + 5 cm = 20 cm

The perimeter of the square is 20 cm.

Formula for Perimeter

Different shapes have different formulas to calculate their perimeter. Here are some common examples:

• Square: Perimeter = 4 * side length
• Rectangle: Perimeter = 2 * (length + width)
• Triangle: Perimeter = side 1 + side 2 + side 3

Example

Let's calculate the perimeter of a rectangle with a length of 8 cm and a width of 3 cm.

Using the formula: Perimeter = 2 * (length + width)

Perimeter = 2 * (8 cm + 3 cm) Perimeter = 2 * 11 cm Perimeter = 22 cm

Important Note:

• Units of measurement for perimeter are always in units of length (e.g., cm, meters, inches).
• You need to know the lengths of all sides of a shape to calculate its perimeter.

Practice Time

1. Calculate the perimeter of a triangle with sides measuring 7 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm.
2. Find the perimeter of a square with a side length of 12 cm.
3. A rectangular garden is 10 meters long and 6 meters wide. What is its perimeter?

Key Takeaways:

• Perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape.
• Use specific formulas to calculate the perimeter of different shapes.
• Remember to include units of measurement in your answer.