Shapes are all around us! From the squares on a checkerboard to the circles on a bicycle wheel, there are so many different shapes to discover and explore. But have you ever heard of a shape with six sides? It’s called a hexagon, and in this article, we’re going to learn all about it!
What Is a Hexagon?
A hexagon is a shape with six sides. It’s a type of polygon, which means it has straight sides and angles. The word “hexagon” comes from the Greek words “hexa,” which means six, and “gon,” which means angle.
How to Recognize a Hexagon?
There are a few things to look for when trying to recognize a hexagon. First, count the number of sides. If there are six, then you’re looking at a hexagon! Next, look at the angles. Each angle in a hexagon measures 120 degrees, which means that all the angles are the same size.
Where Can You Find Hexagons?
Hexagons can be found in many different places in the world around us! Some common examples of hexagons include:
- Honeycombs: Have you ever seen a honeycomb up close? It’s made up of lots of little hexagons! Bees build their honeycombs in this shape because it’s the most efficient use of space.
- Stop Signs: The shape of a stop sign is actually an octagon (a shape with eight sides), but if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s made up of two hexagons put together!
- Snowflakes: Snowflakes are made up of tiny ice crystals, and many of them have hexagonal shapes.
- Soccer Balls: A soccer ball is made up of many hexagons and pentagons (shapes with six and five sides) that fit together to form a sphere.
Conclusion
Hexagons are a fascinating shape with six sides and all equal angles. They can be found in many different places in the world around us, from honeycombs to soccer balls. Now that you know what a hexagon is, see if you can find some examples in your own neighborhood!
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