Definitions of Words Associated with 2D and 3D Shapes
Face
A face is the front surface of a shape. A face can be flat or curved.
Corner
A corner is the point where two or more edges meet on a shape.
Vertex/Vertices
A vertex is an alternative phrase for a corner (plural – vertices).
Edge
An edge is the side of a face. An edge can be straight or curved.
Angle
An angle is the meeting of two edges or surfaces.
Line of Symmetry
A line of symmetry is a dotted line that shows that the two sides of the shape
are symmetrical and therefore are identical. See examples shown on 2D shapes.
corner or
vertex
face
edge
angle
Properties of 2D Shapes
Rectangle
2 pairs of equal sides
4 right angles
2 lines of symmetry
Square
4 equal sides
4 right angles
4 lines of symmetry
1
Rhombus
4 equal sides
2 lines of symmetry
Kite
2 pairs of equal sides
1 line of symmetry
Regular Hexagon
6 straight edges
6 equal angles
6 lines of symmetry
Isosceles Triangle
3 straight edges
1 pair of equal sides
1 line of symmetry
Parallelogram
2 pairs of equal sides
0 lines of symmetry
Regular Pentagon
5 straight edges
5 equal angles
5 lines of symmetry
Equilateral Triangle
3 straight edges
3 equal sides
3 lines of symmetry
Right-angled Triangle
3 straight edges
1 angle of 90 degrees
2
Circle
1 curved edge
Trapezium
4 straight edges
1 pair of equal sides
1 line of symmetry
Scalene Triangle
3 straight edges
0 equal sides
0 lines of symmetry
Properties of 3D Shapes
Cube
8 vertices (corners)
6 square faces
12 straight edges
Triangular Prism
6 vertices
9 straight edges
3 rectangular faces
2 triangular faces
Cylinder
2 curved edges
2 circular faces
1 curved face
No vertices
Cuboid
8 vertices (corners)
6 rectangular faces
12 straight edges
Triangular Based
Pyramid
4 vertices
6 straight edges
4 triangular faces
Sphere
No edges
1 curved face
No vertices
3
Cone
1 curved face
1 flat face
1 vertex (corner)
1 curved edge
Square Based Pyramid
5 vertices
8 straight edges
4 triangular faces
1 square face
Nets of 3D Shapes
Cube
Cuboid
4
Square-based Pyramid