2D Shapes in Maths: What is it?

2D shapes, also known as two-dimensional shapes, are an important aspect of mathematics. They are geometric figures that have length and width but no depth and are the foundation for understanding more complex shapes and concepts in geometry.

In this article, we will explore the different types of 2d shapes with properties, and their uses in maths.

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Understanding the Basics: Points, Lines, and Line Segments

The most basic 2D shape is the point, which has no length or width and is represented by a single dot. It is considered to be the building block of all other 2d shapes geometry. The next most basic shape is the line, which has no width and extends infinitely in both directions. A line segment is a portion of a line that has a definite length and endpoints. These basic concepts are essential for understanding more complex 2d shapes geometry and are often covered in early mathematics education.

Points

Line

Ray

There are several different types of lines in geometry, each with their own characteristics and properties. Some common types of lines include:

Straight lines: A straight line is the shortest distance between two points. It extends infinitely in both directions and has no curves or bends.
Curved lines: A curved line, also known as a smooth line, is a line that has a gradual bend or curve. It can be concave or convex, and can take many different forms such as circles, ovals, or parabolas.
Horizontal lines: A horizontal line is a straight line that runs parallel to the x-axis of a coordinate plane, and has a slope of 0.
Vertical lines: A vertical line is a straight line that runs parallel to the y-axis of a coordinate plane, and has an undefined slope.
Oblique lines: A diagonal line is a line that runs between two nonadjacent corners of a shape.
Ray: A ray is a line that starts at a single point and extends infinitely in one direction.
Segment: A segment is a part of a line that has two distinct endpoints.

Each type of line can be used for different purposes in drawings and diagrams, and can also have different properties depending on the context in which it is used.

In 2d shapes with properties, there are several different types of shapes that can be identified:

Triangles: A triangle is a shape made up of three straight lines and three angles.

Quadrilaterals: A quadrilateral is a shape made up of four straight lines and four angles. Examples include squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and rhombi.

Circles: A circle is a shape defined by a center point and a distance (radius) from that point to the outer edge of the shape.

Ovals: An oval is a shape that is similar to a circle but elongated in one direction.
Polygons: A polygon is a shape made up of three or more straight lines and angles. Examples include pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.

Ellipses: An ellipse is a shape that is similar to a circle but elongated in two direction
Parabolas: A parabola is a shape defined by a symmetric U-shaped curve.
Hyperbolas : A Hyperbola is a shape defined by a curve that gets farther away from a central point in two different direction

3d shapes definition

3D shapes are objects that have three dimensions: length, width, and height. Examples of 3D shapes include spheres, cubes, cylinders, and cones. These shapes can be described by their edges, faces, and vertices (corners). 3d shapes geometry can be rotated and viewed from different angles, unlike 2D shapes which are flat.

What are the 2d and 3d shapes differences?

2D shapes are flat and have only two dimensions: length and width. Examples of 2d shapes geometry include squares, circles, and triangles. 3d shapes geometry have an additional dimension, height, and have volume, unlike 2D shapes. These shapes can be described by their edges, faces, and vertices (corners). 3D shapes can be rotated and viewed from different angles, unlike 2D shapes which are flat and can only be viewed from one angle.

Another key 2d and 3d shapes differences between 2D and 3D shapes is that 2D shapes are typically represented on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or a computer screen, while 3D shapes exist in the physical world and can be touched and held. In terms of creating images, 2d shapes geometry are created using techniques such as drawing, painting, and digital imaging, while 3D shapes are created using techniques such as modeling, sculpting, and 3D printing. Additionally, 2d shapes with properties can be transformed by changing their size, position, or orientation, but they will always remain flat. On the other hand, 3D shapes can be transformed by changing their size, position, or orientation, but they will always have volume, depth, and can be viewed from different angles.

How can we form a 3D solid?

A 3D solid can be formed by combining multiple 2D shapes together. The 2D shapes are then "extruded" upwards or downwards to create the third dimension, height. For example, a cube can be formed by combining six square 2d shapes geometry together and extruding them to create height. Similarly, a cylinder can be formed by combining a circular 2d shapes with properties (the base) and a rectangle (the side) and extruding them to create height.

Types of 3D

Intresting Concepts to know!

Edge - An edge is where two faces meet. For example a cube has 12 edges.
Face - A face is a flat or curved surface on a 3D shape. For example a cube has six faces.
Vertex - A vertex is a corner where edges meet. The plural is vertices. For example a cube has eight vertices.

2d and 3d shapes maths Questions for Practice!

Which of the following options is incorrect for the given shape?
How many triangles are formed in the figure given below
How many squares are present in the below picture ?
The figure given is made up of some semicircles. How many circles can be made from them?
How many more flat faces does solid A have than Solid B?
What are the shapes that can be seen in the given figure?
How many faces are rectangular?

View Answers

D) There are 10 straight lines in given shape
A) 8
B) 8
A) 5
A) 5
A) 1 rectangle, 1 quarter circle, 2 semicircle.
D) 5