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Perimeter

Grades 2–5

Definition

The perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape. You find it by adding up the lengths of all the sides.

Imagine walking around the edge of a garden. The total distance you walk is the perimeter. It is like measuring the fence needed to go all the way around.

Examples

  • A rectangle with sides 5 and 3 has a perimeter of 5 + 3 + 5 + 3 = 16.
  • A square with side 4 has a perimeter of 4 x 4 = 16.
  • A triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5 has a perimeter of 12.

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